Light attracts; it does not repel. Those who love and believe in the Lord need to be willing to stand exposed, like streetlights—like beacons against the dark—and be vulnerable to the winds and ice storms and even vandalism, for God’s sake and the sake of others, seeking light. Let others see something different in us, and feel invited by our example to pursue the light of Christ in their lives.

As salt is used as a preservative—and it was very valuable in Jesus’ time—we need to be of great value to God’s plans for the world. We gain value in our attempts to humbly model God’s love and mercy to all, and not only when it is easy. In fact, especially when it’s not easy. As Jesus said, there’s nothing impressive in showing mercy to those you love; even the worst of us can do that. But to show mercy to the worst of us (and to the worst in us): that’s what He wants.