Like Jesus

John 5:13-16 Message Translation --
     "Let me tell you why you are here.  You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth.  If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness?  You've lost you're usefulness and will end up in the garbage."
     "Here's another way to put it:  You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.  God is not a secret to be kept.  We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.  If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you?  I'm putting you on a light stand.  Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand--shine!  Keep open house, be generous with your lives.  By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."

     So what are we called to be?  We are called to be salt and light.  In a world without either salt or light, you have dreary darkness and boring bland-ness.  We spend so much time worrying about what we're supposed to do with our lives, when it's really pretty simple.  We're supposed to be like Jesus.  We're supposed to shine.  Jesus changed the whole world, and continues to, only being in "ministry" for three years.  Now it's our job to continue. 

Hebrews 12:1-3 talks about a great cloud of witnesses.  In the Message it says, "Do you see what this means--all the pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on?  It means we'd better get on with it.  Strip down, start running, and never quit!  No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins.  Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in.  Study how he did it.  Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - that exhilarating finish in and with God - "  Just an fyi, "strip down" does not mean get naked!!  It means to get rid of all the junk that's holding you back.  Get rid of the sin and insecurities that are holding you down.  Get rid of the hurts and the anger and get out there and make your mark for Jesus.  Continue on where all these veterans have left off.  They were bold, they were brave, and they had AMAZING faith in God.  Our God, who can do ALL things.

Repeat of John 5:16
"Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand--shine!  Keep open house, be generous with your lives.  By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."

Show people Jesus.  Love people like Jesus loved people.  Open up yourself to others.  Be generous.  We can't do these things if we keep to ourselves.  Our world needs your saltiness!!  Our world needs your light.  SHINE!!

This is a post from a blog that I follow that really made me think about what am I really called to be.  It will challenge your thinking in a HUGE way.

http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2011/03/crap/