LED Disciples

Read Matthew 5:13-16
[Click the Scripture reference to read online.]

Rev. Stephenson reminded us of our role as salt and light in the world by adding flavor to life and destroying the darkness. He recounted a bread baking experiment gone horribly wrong because there was no salt in the dough and he told us about the wonders of LED lights. LED: light emitting diode.

Disciples, he said, should be light emitting diodes --- LEDs.

And that's when I saw it...

Disciples are meant to be LED.

Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

Matthew 16:24 ESV

(emphasis added)

We are meant to follow. And when we are led by the Father through Jesus via the power of the Spirit that is when we will be effective as salt and light.

"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ..." ---Jesus

John 15:5 ESV

(emphasis added)

Following, being led, is the first step of discipleship. Really it's the only step.

Jesus followed His Father's direction. He was constantly led during His ministry on earth. 

We are to follow His footsteps. Living as He did. Trusting and abiding in Him.

The Psalter from Psalm 112, used on Sunday, echoed the same sentiment.

Light rises in darkness when justice rules our lives.

God is the One meant to rule our lives, He is the One who defines justice. And when He rules, light rises in darkness.

The Rock, his work is perfect,

for all his ways are justice.

A God of faithfulness and without iniquity,

just and upright is he.

Deuteronomy 32:4 ESV

When it comes to being salt and light, we must first be good followers, willing to be led. Laying aside our understanding and accepting His... even if it doesn't make sense to us.

How are you at following Him?

Who rules your life?

Consider places you currently reside, live out your life: home, work, Wal-Mart. Who leads you while you're there? Is the place lighter or darker because of who you are? Does your presence stir up desire in those around you to know Him?

If salt loses it's saltiness or doesn't even recognize itself as salt (as pastor pointed out) it is no longer good for anything.

Don't miss opportunities to let God use you as salt and light. That is what we are when we are led by Him.

Just some thoughts from Sunday.

Father God, I long to be led by You that I might be a LED for You. Teach me how to follow and abide. Open my heart to Your Spirit and His voice. Fill me with the boldness to trust and obey wherever You lead.