Scripture

“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.:

Observation

Following from the Beatitudes, Jesus goes on to tell His followers that they are salts and light for the world. Salt must retain its saltiness and the light must be allowed to shine forth. We must let people see our good works so that they may give glory to our Father in heaven.

Jesus came to fulfil the Law not to abolish it. The Law will not pass away until all is accomplished. Our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees if we are to enter heaven.

Application

As followers of Jesus, we must make a difference in the world. We are the light of the world and salt for the earth. The love and righteousness of God should be shining out in our lives bringing people to a place where they glorify God because they recognise that we are empowered and motivated by God, not by our own nature.

We must not blend into the background, living lives that are outwardly the same as everyone else. Neither must we withdraw into a christian “ghetto” where we are completely cut off from the rest of the world.

The kingdom of heaven grows as we live our lives out in public and demonstrating a radically different life to the general population. The only way to do this is to pursue an ever deeper walk with Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, teach me to live for you in all things. May I truly be light and salt in the world today. Amen.