HAVE YOU EVER sat down to a nice breakfast, taken a big bite of grits, and realized that salt had been left out of the grits? Not pleasant, right? Grits without salt are bland and boring. Just so, our lives as followers of Christ, without the light and seasoning of the gospel — the “good news” — are lackluster, not reflecting God’s love in the world.
The scriptures tell us about the importance of salt and light in our walk as Christians: “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 underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)
CBFGA has exciting events planned for the rest of 2023 and into 2024, and our themes for this time will be Salt and Light! You will find these themes woven into our Fall Gathering and Youth Fall Retreat in 2023, and into our 2024 Children’s Retreat, Mission Madness, and Senior Adult Retreat.
Salt seasons and preserves, and light overcomes darkness and despair. As the light of the world, Jesus brings hope, truth, and LIFE. As salt in the world, Jesus brings pleasant seasoning to our lives together.
As we explore the themes of salt and light through upcoming CBFGA events, let us strive as Christ-followers to shine the message of Jesus and to be the salt and light our world needs, wherever we go and wherever we have influence.
I am looking forward to your children and students, along with our adults, learning more about what it means to be Salt and Light in our communities.
MEGAN TURNER DOUD, CBFGA Coordinator for Young Baptist Ministries, mdoud@cbfga.org