MY IDENTITY (PART 2)

BIBLE TEXT: Matthew 5:13-16

In our last post we discussed about the importance of knowing our identity as well as the privileges we have when we realize that we carry the essence and intricacies of God. This second part will take us into truths that cannot be denied about our identity. I can really visualize how difficult it is for some of us to accept these truths because it contradicts the moments you are in; it contradicts the reality you are facing presently, and it even contradicts what you know about yourself but that’s the essence of this topic. Understanding your identity through the lens of God’s word is fundamental to living not just a purpose driven life but a purpose fulfilling life. As we delve into these truths from scriptures, we will begin to have clear insights about our identity and how we have not just been uniquely crafted by God but knitted bone to bone in our mother’s womb by Him.

Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (NKJV).

 SEVEN TRUTHS ABOUT YOUR IDENTITY

• You are salt to the world you live in (Matthew 5:13 NKJV)

One vivid recollection that surfaces when I contemplate the essence of salt takes me back to my agricultural science class many years ago. In that class, I learned about the intricate process of curing meat with salt and its significant role in food preservation. Salt acts as a crucial agent in this process; it inhibits the proliferation of microorganisms and curtails the development of microbes and bacteria, while simultaneously enhancing the flavor of the meat. In essence, salt is a preservative.

Similarly, our lives should strive to infuse the world with flavor and vitality. As individuals who are metaphorically akin to salt, we are called to impede moral degradation and decay, ensuring that such corruption does not flourish in our presence. We live in a time when it is imperative to assertively reject anything that tarnishes the divine image we are meant to embody. The word NO must be said unapologetically to anything that disrupts God’s image in our lives. Also, Scripture teaches us to season our words with grace and salt even in our conversations.

Colossians 4:6 – “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (NKJV)

• You are light to the world you live in (Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV)

What comes to mind when we hear the word “light”? For me I think of beacon, visibility, influence, illumination, purpose, brightness, radiance. Do you find yourself in any of these few words? If yes, what role has that played in your daily life and if no, what is hindering that conviction? I believe this can be a little assignment or self-reflection on how this can impact our lives.  If you’ve ever seen a beacon while driving in a dark mountainous sharp bend, you will understand how it cuts through the darkness while guiding safely. The beacon stands out strategically with its light so intense. Indeed, a city set on a hill cannot be hidden. The beacon’s purpose is to provide illumination and a sense of direction. The aim of the beacon is defeated if it is hidden. For every time we try to dim our lights, we begin to operate below the essence of God. Light influences its environment no matter how dark and goes beyond its surroundings. Our lives ought to lead others to a greater understanding of God’s love by our living. We being light is not to draw attention to ourselves but be a standpoint that guides others to self-reflection of God’s kingdom.

The question you ought to answer is “DO YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE LIGHT”? HOW DO YOU LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE IN A WORLD WHERE COMPROMISE IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY?

Prayer: Heavenly father, help my light so shine that even the darkness cannot deny and may my life add taste to the world in Jesus’ name. Amen.

—-To be Continued