Finding God's True Plan: How to Live as Salt and Light


A New Year, A New Journey: What is God's REAL Plan for Your Life? 

As we begin a new year, it is always a time of reflection. We look at the past, we look to the future, and we set goals we'd like to accomplish. 


Last Sunday was Epiphany, a day we traditionally set aside to recognize the visit of the wise men. As Matthew records, these wise men started on a journey many days, weeks, or even months before they arrived in Jerusalem. They were on a quest, following a star, seeking a newborn king.

 

I am sure it took a lot of preparation to make that journey. They didn't just plan to go; they went. Their journey took them to the place where they could engage with the King. 


As we begin this new year, I want us to think about our own journey. A journey that, if we follow it, will also bring us to the King. And just like any journey, it takes planning, it takes learning, and it takes doing. 

 

Belief is Not Passive 

A journey never takes off from just planning and learning; it requires action. As followers of Christ, it’s much the same. We plan (set goals, make resolutions), we learn (study, read), and we must do (obey). 

 

You might be familiar with the story of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son Isaac in Genesis 22. As Abraham was ready to obey, the angel of the LORD called out and told him to stop, saying, "Now I know that you fear God..." 

 

Didn't the LORD already know that? Earlier, scripture says Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness." Isn't believing enough? 

 

It is enough, but it is not alone. If we truly believe, we will act on what we believe. Abraham acted, obeyed, and demonstrated through his actions that he feared God. 

 

What is God’s "Plan" for My Life? 

So, what is our plan for this year? Our goal should be to become more like Christ on this journey. But what does that mean? 

 

We often think of "God's plan" as a specific job, a specific spouse, or a specific place to live. I can tell you that I thought God’s plan for my life was to be a missionary in a foreign country working in Christian radio. I graduated with a degree in broadcasting, but I never went to engineering school and never became that radio missionary. 

 

Am I not doing God’s plan for my life? 

I have a different mindset about God's will now. God never tells us He has a specific occupation or location picked out. He certainly guides us, but He has a much higher priority for us. Paul wrote: 

 

Romans 8:28-29 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son... 

 

What is God’s plan for you and me? To be more like His Son. 

Does the occupation I have, or the location I live, or the spouse I have bring me closer to being more like His Son? You might think your job, location, or even spouse is a hindrance. But is it their fault? Or is it our attitude? 

 

It is not these outward things that determine if we are following God’s plan. It is the inward attitude that affects our outward actions and speech. Paul prayed that we would be strengthened "with power through his Spirit in your inner being" (Ephesians 3:16). 

 

How Shall I Then Live? 

This begins a new journey for us, looking at how Jesus explains we are to live. We start with his teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. Before he gives commands, he makes nine statements about people who are "blessed"—people who are happy and joyful because of their attitude, not their situation. 

We call these the Beatitudes: 

  • Blessed are the poor in spirit 

  • Blessed are those who mourn 

  • Blessed are the meek 

  • Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness 

  • Blessed are the merciful 

  • Blessed are the pure in heart 

  • Blessed are the peacemakers 

  • Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness 

  • Blessed are you when people insult you for His sake 

After describing the attitude of a follower, Jesus provides two identities. These identities are not secret. There are no "closet" Christians. Christianity is social; it is for others to benefit from our lives and be drawn to Christ. 

 

1. You Are the Salt of the Earth 

Matthew 5:13 

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." 

Jesus points to His disciples and says, "YOU ARE the salt of the earth." How are we salt? 

  1. Salt brings out flavor. As followers of Christ, we are to bring flavor to our world. We should be people who are blessed, happy, and joyful. Our words should be "seasoned with salt" (Colossians 4:6), full of grace. 

  1. Salt slows decay. Before refrigeration, salt was used to preserve food. As salt, our presence in the world should slow down the moral and spiritual decay around us. 

The warning is clear: don't lose your saltiness. In Jesus' day, salt was often mixed with impurities. It could lose its effectiveness and be thrown out. Our saltiness becomes diluted when we mix our faith with things not in keeping with the teaching of Jesus. 

 

2. You Are the Light of the World 

Matthew 5:14-15 

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house." 

Jesus is the originator of the light (John 8:12). We are the reflectors of that light, like the moon reflects the sun. A light is meant to be seen. A city on a hill is unavoidable. A lamp is put on a stand to give light to everyone. 

Just like salt brings flavor, light brings sight. Just like salt preserves, light reveals. 

We don't shine for ourselves. Jesus gives a command: 

Matthew 5:16 

"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." 

We want others to see the way to the Father. We want them to "taste and see that the Lord is good." We do this through our actions, our attitudes, and our speech. 

 

A Final Challenge 

Who we are will always impact what we do. 

As we start this new year, I have a couple of questions for you to reflect on: 

  • If someone were to sue you for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? 

  • Do people know that you are a Christian? Or do they just know that you go to church? 

 

Peter wrote that we should: 

1 Peter 2:12 

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 

 

This year, let's journey together. Let's not just plan to be more like Christ. Let's do it. Let's be the salt and the light He has already declared us to be. 


Originally delivered in worship 2025.01.12 

 

Location: Caldwell, KS 67022, USA

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