A People Called and Empowered to Make a Difference
By Maurice A. Davis ’05

A Sermon for Student Recognition Sunday © All rights reserved.

Text: Matthew 5:11-16

Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, I ask that as I speak, God, that you would magnify yourself, and that you would decrease my presence and make you Spirit relevant in this place. God, I ask that you will allow the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart to be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Amen.

Our text for today has already been lifted up for your hearing, but I just want to emphasize the last four verses. That is Matthew 5:13-16. 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. ¹⁴You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither 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. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and praise your Father in heaven.” A People Called and Empowered to Make a Difference. A People Called and Empowered to Make a Difference.

Our text records the concluding remarks of Christ’s Sermon on the Mount, in which he instructs his disciples in eight beatitudes and extols the virtues of humility, contrition, meekness, spiritual desire, mercy, purity, peace, and suffering for righteousness. Jesus vehemently contends that those who live in accordance with these principles are sure to inherit the kingdom of God. He encourages us to consider it pure joy when we endure persecution and reproach for his sake, for in the same way he suffered mockery and despise for obedience to his Father’s will. Christ urges us to lead a life of delayed gratification, as suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope in the imminent glory of God (Rom. 5:3-5). We are further persuaded to know our fellow believers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering (I Pet. 5:9). As such, we must not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we shall reap a harvest of blessings if we do not give up (Gal. 6:9).

Christ implores us to wield a good influence over the world, allowing others to taste the piquant savor of our commitment and to see the radiance of our lives. For if we are unashamed of him among those of this sinful world, he promises to acknowledge us before his Father in heaven (Mat. 10:32). Salt is used to describe the believer’s “conditon” and “function.” As a tiny pinch of salt is penetrating, diffusing its savor far and wide in an otherwise savorless and unappetizing batch, we must have an extensive influence on those around us. Like the rippling effect produced by a pebble tossed into the still waters of a pond, the ripples of our influence should extend far and wide, impacting the lives of all we encounter. Just as salt is possessed of purifying and perpetuating qualities, Christ urges us to be refreshing fountains of good among a depraved generation, spouting messages of hope to those in the relentless, unsatisfying pursuit of inner-peace. We as believers know that this peace, which surpasses all understanding, can only be found in a fulfilling relationship with the Creator through Jesus Christ. Moreover, Christ says let our light shine before the world in an unapologetic appeal for righteousness. We cannot be timid, but must boldly confront others with the gospel of peace, letting them know that we are children of the Most High God, determined to stand on godly principles, no matter what. Only when we exhibit this maturing commitment to our faith, will society take us seriously, consider the merits of our witness, and be compelled to worship the God we glorify.

America is becoming a nation in which people’s closest friends are known as “me,” “myself,” and “I.” We foster the “I have mine, you get yours” attitude, and a modified conception of Social Darwinism, in which only the strong survive, seems to prevail. Even religious persons, as in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, can become distracted by inverted priorities, too busy being religious to respond to those in need. While confession of faith is essential for salvation, the world must see our faith in action. I ask you: Is the full effect of a person’s faith revealed in one’s words or in one’s actions? As James so poignantly contends, faith unaccompanied by action is dead. It is revealed and made complete by what we do. To be effective, our faith must be consistent, communicable, and convicting. In the absence of a bible under our arms and a cross around our necks, it should be clear to the world, wherever we go, that ambassadors for Christ are on the scene.

I have come to the realization that in the grand scheme of things, it’s not about me! How can we complain when others are in much worst conditions than we find ourselves in? We can no longer walk past those in need, because we are called to make a difference. Many appear to be in a fruitless search for happiness, not realizing that true happiness cannot come from dwelling on ourselves, our circumstances, and our problems, but only from directing our focus and concern toward others. Personal victory is ensured when we proactively push for the victory and success of those outside of ourselves. To be effective servants for God, we must put things into perspective and be willing to sacrifice ourselves for the benefit of another. To accomplish this would be in keeping with Christ’s plea for loving our neighbors. But, in this endeavor, we cannot intermingle compassion and conservatism, for compassionate conservatives are only compassionate to a point. What if God were a compassionate conservative? What trouble would we be in if God’s love, patience, and blessings were only extended to a point! Oftentimes we help people short of transformation. We must have a burning desire to help others to the fullest extent of our being. Our service to others cannot be half-hearted, but must be sincere and always hopeful. Remember, we cannot always qualify the difference that is made. As C. S. Lewis attests, “The very one who has argued us down, will sometimes be found, years later, to have been influenced by what we said.”

We are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. But what good is salt that no longer seasons, preserves, or purifies? What good is light that no longer emanates, illuminates, and reveals? Just as a computer that fails to compute and a blender that ceases to blend are worthless, so are salt and light that lose their influence. Yes, a savorless salt is still salt and an expired light is still light, but neither is of any practical use. Similarly, a believer unwilling to stand up for God and positively impact the lives of others is of limited utility. God does not extend his generosity to us with the intent that we would hoard blessings for our sole benefit. As we are conduits and not repositories for God’s blessings, we must be determined to direct God’s blessings bestowed on us to others. As salt and light, we are also called to be different, for one must be different before one can make a difference. It is clear that a proponent or component of the status quo cannot change the status quo. Christ must be the center of who we are and what we do. He must be embedded in every aspect of our lives. Let us no longer be perceived as Christians by name only. We must not compromise God’s Word. We must strive to be men and women of integrity. And we must allow real, demonstrative truths to emit from our lives, being mindful that God is making His appeal to the world through us.

What people think of God is often based on how we represent Him. Represent your Father well and let them see Him for the awesome God He truly is. As we all know, children resemble their parents. God is looking for men, women, boys, and girls who will stand on godly principles, who are determined to let the work of good outwork the work of evil, and who are willing to confront the powers of evil and be about His business. Until someone is bold enough to say “For God I’ll live and for God I’ll die,” and is willing to work to effect change, our realities will remain the same. So you ask: what are the specific qualities required of God’s servants to make a difference in this world? I’m glad you asked. I find that five characters in God’s Word possessed five indispensable attributes that allowed them to excel in God’s service.

God is looking for servants with resolve. Joshua, son of Nun and God-appointed successor of Moses, lead a life marked by conviction and singleness of purpose and direction, courageously guiding Israel to the Promised Land. Addressing the Israelites who had escaped bondage under the Egyptian pharaoh, he declared “I can’t speak for anyone else nor can I tell you what decision to make, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

God is looking for servants with readiness. Deborah, patriotic prophetess and Judge of Israel, roused the lethargic, crushed spirits of Israelites enslaved twenty years under Jabin, king of Hazor, and had preparations made everywhere for a great effort to throw off their yoke of bondage. She summoned Barak from Kadesh to command 10,000 men of Zebulun and Naphtali, and lead them to Mount Tabor, on the plains of Esdraelon, to impetuously overthrow Jabin’s Canaanite army in a surprise attack. In light of this decisive victory, she wrote the triumphal “song of Deborah” commemorating deliverance under God’s mighty hand.

God is looking for servants with rectitude. Daniel, fourth of the great prophets and interpreter of dreams, resolved to abstain from the “king’s meat” for fear of defilement. Ignoring a royal decree prompted by his conspirators, he got down on his knees and prayed toward Jerusalem three times a day, giving thanks to God as he had done before. Cast into the lion’s den for his faithfulness to the rites of his faith, he was found innocent in the eyesight of God, and had an angel dispatched on his very behalf to clench the mouths of the ferocious beasts.

God is looking for servants with radical purpose. Esther, beautiful cousin of Mordecai and chosen Persian Queen of Xerxes, had a singular grace and charm in her aspect and manners as she won the favor of all who saw her. She was a woman of deep piety, faith, courage, and patriotism, and recognized as a dutiful daughter to her adopted father, anxious to share the King's favor with him for the good of her people. Most notably, she was instrumental in averting Haman’s plan to exterminate the Jews, and afforded them protection, wealth, and peace in their captivity.

Finally, God is looking for servants with resilience. Nehemiah, cupbearer of King Artaxerxes and governor of Judea, returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls laid waste by the Babylonians. Mocked and ridiculed by local Persian officials who vowed to intimidate him and soil his reputation, he relied on the joy of the Lord for strength, contending “The God of heaven will ensure our success.” He mobilized the people, shook off the threats of naysayers, and worked tirelessly to rebuild the walls, stone by stone, in 52 days, restoring God’s glory in that city.

The additive effect of these 5 R’s—resolve, readiness, rectitude, radical purpose, and resilience—is conducive to change. No, these great figures in biblical history possessing these attributes were not flawless, as they were mortal, imperfect beings like you and me. However, they understood the immense importance of relying on God’s power to sustain them. Like Joshua, Deborah, Daniel, Esther, and Nehemiah, we can identify areas in our lives that can be improved. Admittedly, people have a unique way of pointing out yours and not theirs, the splinter in your eye and not the plank in their own, but all of us are related in the family of imperfection. Everyone has a problem, a weakness, and if we say we have no problems or weaknesses, our problem is pride. Oftentimes, the problems we manage help us to realize our insufficiency in and of ourselves. Nevertheless, in spite of our inadequacies and fearful, overwhelming situations, we must work the works of Him who sent us while it is day, remembering the righteous shall be sustained by the power of God. As we are called to have a significant impact on the world, we must know, without a shadow of a doubt, that we can achieve much because the One we serve is capable of accomplishing amazing feats through us and in us.

I leave you with two final questions. If our lifestyle were the only lifestyle that society could depend on to observe God’s unconditional love, would they be compelled to pursue a relationship with Him? If those who see our conduct, hear our conversation, and witness our character on a daily basis were placed on the witness stand to verify our commitment to the person and principles of the one we claim to serve, would there be enough evidence to convict us? Always be willing to go the extra mile for others. It is through our generosity and love that many eventually see the face of God. People should feel closer to God in your presence. So let us lead holy lives worthy of the calling we have received (Eph. 4:1). Let us be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, being empowered by the indwelling of his Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). And remember, wherever you go, don’t forget to sprinkle a few dashes of salt and shine a little light. We owe it to God, as we in fact are called and empowered to make a difference.

Let us pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for the message that was just presented to your people. God, I ask that it will have a powerful impact on them, that they will be able to apply the truths of the message to their lives to live a life that is more pleasing in your eyesight. God, I ask that you will allow men, women, boys, and girls to see the light shining from us. God, help us to spread salt throughout the world that people may know you and give you the due praise that you deserve. I pray all of this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ, knowing that it is already done in accordance with your mighty will. Amen.