You are More Valuable Than You Think

by | Mar 22, 2021 | Christian Character, Sermon On The Mount | 20 comments

You may not know this, but at the instance you were born again you became a citizen of heaven who is valuable on earth. You have prestige because you have a certain value and responsibilities that you did not have (and could not have had) before you were born again. Our value on earth is based on our status (which angels cannot attain) and our responsibilities as children of God (which angels cannot perform).

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus shares two divine truths describing Christians’ value and responsibilities. The first truth is:

“You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13a, NIV).

Salt preserves food and delays the decaying process.  Jesus is not talking about meat; he is referring to the moral decay of the unbelievers (the world). Value – Christians are in the earth to be spiritual influencers, to delay their generation’s overwhelming moral and spiritual decay by preaching the gospel, and to live a righteous life in view of the unrighteous. Responsibility – We are to mingle with the world but not adapt to its standard or we will become useless for the Master’s use. Jesus explained it this way:

“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 underfoot” (Matthew 5:13b, NIV).

How can one lose his “saltiness?” One example is that some saints think that Christians should not associate with unbelievers and they quote Amos 3:3 – “Can two walk  together, except they be agreed?” These Christians will never win souls for Christ because there are no unbelievers in their world. Another example is that some Christians are poor witnesses for Christ because their lifestyles closely resemble the world: little white lies, cheat on taxes, racism, sexism, ageism, etc. The world does not respect them as representatives of God; therefore they cannot win souls for Christ.

The Christian who is true salt daily models the following scripture: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

The second divine truth Jesus shares describing Christians’ value and responsibilities is:

“You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14a, NIV).

Jesus is the light (John 8:12a). Our light is derived from our relationship to Christ (John 8:12b). Our light is not our own but is the reflection of Christ’s light. This light does not provide physical light, but provides Godly knowing, perception, and understanding. Unbelievers do not like this light; they do not want to know or understand Godly truths. “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed’ (John 3:20).

Jesus urged his disciples to shine bright whether they are well received or not:

“A town built 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew5:14b-16).

“In other words, you’re not a private Christian. Your faith must go public. There are no convert, secret Christians in the church. Are you a light among your family and acquaintances? Are you a light at work and in the gym? Are you a light in your culture and in your community?…A good work is a righteous and biblically authorized action that is beneficial to others and for which God gets the credit (Tony Evans).

Christians, we all are designated the salt of the earth and the light of the world by heaven. This is a divine truth. We all are valuable to the kingdom of heaven. The real question is will we as individuals take responsibility and be who we are equipped and called to be even though we will not be readily received by the dark world around us. Will you do everything you can to keep evil from spreading and ignorance from winning over our present and future generations? Will you be the mentor, teacher, preacher, evangelist, or counselor to help some to become born again and to become disciples of Christ. Will you be impactful salt and light?

What say you? Join the conversation.

Dr. Dorothy J. Haire

Dr. Dorothy J. Haire

Author & Blogger

Both church planter and pastor of Bread of Life Christian Church for the last 18 years, Dr. Haire is a beloved mother and successful author. Empowered to deliver the word of God to His people, Dr. Haire uses her digital platform to educate and develop Christian communities that are rooted in the word of Christ.

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