DEFINING YOUR TRINITY TO BE TRUE SALT AND LIGHT
TRINITY AS A CHRISTIAN. It is a concept that often seems uncomfortable or difficult to comprehend to those outside the Christian Faith. Even for many inside the Faith, the idea of 3 distinct parts/persons/personalities/roles in the One True God takes some time to absorb and understand. The Trinity involves a Holy and Powerful relationship in the form of a Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our Father, who created us and looks upon us as sons and daughters created in HIS IMAGE. Jesus, THE SON, who was born to become part man, that HE might take our sins upon Himself. Enduring the Father’s wrath for our disobedience; dying as we die in human form, and yet being Resurrected to sit at the right hand of God The Father. Bringing a Reborn Life and Eternal Life to all who would die to self and give their lives to Him. Abiding in His Grace, Love, and Mercy. God’s Spirit placed in each Believer as a Seal and Guide; allowing God’s power and authority to be manifested in their very lives ! WHY IS A BELIEF AND UNDERSTANDING OF THIS RELATIONAL HIERARCHY SO IMPORTANT ? IN MY LIFE, ITS IMPORTANCE IS IN MY DECISION AND DESIRE TO RECOGNIZE THAT GOD AND HIS KINGDOM ARE MY EVERYTHING ! The FATHER made me, for a purpose and a path. The SON not only gave me Salvation from my sin, but also is LORD OF MY LIFE ! Jesus is the KING that I will Follow and Serve and TRUST ! THE HOLY SPIRIT guides me and helps me to communicate and live in a way that moves me closer to Righteousness. A conscience that keeps me upright, honest with myself, and ever moving toward a mature and complete Whole Heart. This is the TRINITY that is one choice, but there is always another to be reckoned with. The world teaches a “trinity” also. ME, MYSELF, AND I. Self focus, self rule, and self adulation. “I” know best; “I” am in control. “I” can do everything “Myself”. I count on “ME”. I don’t trust anything or anyone but “Myself” to figure things out; set my path; make decisions; deal with problems. Talk about FAITH….or, perhaps misplaced faith ? The world is all about self empowerment and self importance. Be your own man…but, follow our rules because WE, US, “I” know best…even for YOU. It is about Surrender versus Control; Worshipping God versus worship of self and culture; GOD’S TRUTH AND LOVE versus SELF ILLUMINATION AND ADULATION. Hmmm….what does GOD have to say about these two “Trinities” ?
IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD. HE WAS IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD. ALL THINGS WERE MADE THROUGH HIM, AND WITHOUT HIM WAS NOT ANYTHING MADE THAT WAS MADE. IN HIM WAS LIFE, AND THE LIFE WAS THE LIGHT OF MEN. THE LIGHT SHINES IN THE DARKNESS, AND THE DARKNESS HAS NOT OVERCOME IT. John 1: 1-5
I AND THE FATHER ARE ONE. John 10:30
AND JESUS CAME AND SAID TO THEM, “ALL AUTHORITY IN HEAVEN AND EARTH HAS BEEN GIVEN TO ME. GO THEREFORE AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THAT I HAVE COMMANDED YOU. AND BEHOLD, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, TO THE END OF THE AGE.” Matthew 28: 18-20
THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THE LOVE OF GOD AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT BE WITH YOU ALL. 2 Corinthians 13:14
On our own, we are truly just ALONE ! No guidance, no higher purpose, just out for our own goals and gain. The world view is that the true sign of “success” is all about amassing the tools and items that will elevate “US”. Money, career, education, pleasure, happiness, reputation…on and on. Some of these pursuits are good, but they MISS one critical thing that sets those who have given their lives to Jesus know deeply in their/our/my heart. OTHERS ! Jesus was asked about the most important commandment and interestingly, HE GAVE TWO. “Love your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” ( Matthew 22: 37-39), and, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”. The focus of Jesus was on the Father, and mankind He had created. So, doesn’t it make sense that in “serving and loving others, we are really LOVING GOD ! In James 1:22 we are told, “ BUT BE DOERS OF THE WORD, AND NOT HEARERS ONLY, DECEIVING YOURSELVES. Listen and learn, GO AND DO ! FOR OTHERS ! GO AND SHARE JESUS AND THE GOSPEL !We are called to serve our neighbors, and also to BE something that is SO VERY,VERY IMPORTANT ! SALT AND LIGHT. SALT is the thing that gives flavor to everything. In ancient times it was as valuable as Gold. Sharing Jesus can have an amazing effect on people who are thirsty for HIS LOVE AND REDEMPTION ! Salt will “Transform” a bland meal, or a bland life into something with Promise and Delight. How about light ? LIGHT is the only thing that can overcome darkness. In old times, travelers looked for the “light” of a village to find shelter, food, and fellowship. JESUS IS CALLING US TO BE THE SAME. Like a city on a hill, drawing people to the Hope and Love of CHRIST. Boldly and with loving gentleness sharing the GIFT OF LIFE. LIFE ETERNAL. If you are a Christian, then find a way to BE the light. SERVE ! SHARE ! Our experience in serving the homeless community in Phoenix has been life changing. Sharing Jesus and praying for people has given my wife and I the chance to be Salt and Light, and we are so Grateful and blessed to be used by God for this purpose. WE JUST WANTED TO DO….NOT JUST HEAR. How about you ?
YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH, BUT IF THE SALT HAS LOST IT’S SALTINESS, HOW CAN IT BE MADE SALTY AGAIN ? IT IS NO LONGER GOOD FOR ANYTHING, EXCEPT TO BE THROWN OUT AND TRAMPLED UNDER PEOPLE’S FEET. YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A CITY ON A HILL THAT CANNOT BE HIDDEN. NOR DO THEY LIGHT A LAMP AND PUT IT UNDER A BASKET, BUT ON A LAMP STAND, AND IT GIVES LIGHT TO ALL THAT ARE IN THE HOUSE. LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE OTHERS, SO THAT THEY MIGHT SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN. Matthew5:13-16
FOR AT ONE TIME YOU WERE DARKNESS, BUT NOW YOU ARE LIGHT IN THE LORD. WALK AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT. Ephesians 5:8
AGAIN JESUS SPOKE TO THEM, SAYING “ I AM THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. WHOEVER FOLLOWS ME WILL NOT WALK IN DARKNESS, BUT WILL HAVE THE LIGHT OF LIFE.” John 8:12
SALT AND LIGHT. Our choice. SIN AND REJECTION OF GOD brings a person to a place of NOTHINGNESS. Destruction and Death. Nothing to give, and nothing to show. DARKNESS WITHOUT HOPE. Fortunately, God has provided the path to Salt and Light for US. HIS NAME IS JESUS CHRIST. HE is waiting for you to seek Him and Serve Him. ARE YOU READY ? BE HIS/JAA
AND HE SAID TO THEM, “ GO INTO ALL THE WORLD AND PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL TO THE WHOLE OF CREATION.” Mark 16;15
LETS GO AND DO IT :) !!! AMEN