Being Salt and Light: Making a Difference Daily

Devotional

Day 1: Put Off the Old, Put On the New

God calls us to lay aside our former ways and embrace the new life He offers, being renewed in our minds and walking in true righteousness and holiness. This transformation is not just a one-time event but a daily choice to let go of old habits, attitudes, and patterns that do not reflect Christ, and to put on the character and nature of Jesus. As we do this, we become ready for His coming and able to live as His representatives in the world, strengthened and refreshed by the well of salvation bubbling up within us. [53:19]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV)
"to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What is one specific old habit or attitude you need to “put off” today, and what would it look like to “put on” the new self in that area?

Day 2: Be Salt and Light—Make a Difference

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, preserving goodness, bringing flavor, and illuminating the darkness around us. Our uniqueness as Christians is not something to hide but to let shine, so that others may see our good works and glorify God. When we allow the world’s values to mix into our lives, we lose our distinctiveness and our ability to influence for good, but when we remain true to Christ, we make a real difference wherever we go—at work, in our neighborhoods, and even in the smallest daily interactions. [01:00:00]

Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 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 set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: Where is one place in your daily routine where you can intentionally let your light shine or be “salt” to someone who needs encouragement or hope?

Day 3: Good Works—Serving Jesus in Others

Jesus teaches that when we serve others in practical ways—feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, caring for the sick, visiting the imprisoned—we are actually serving Him, and these acts of love are what set apart the sheep from the goats. Every small act of kindness, every time we obey the Spirit’s prompting to help or encourage someone, we are making a difference that echoes in eternity. Our character is revealed by what we do, and God has prepared good works for us to walk in, so let us not grow weary in doing good, knowing that in due season we will reap a harvest. [01:08:23]

Matthew 25:34-40 (ESV)
"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’"

Reflection: Who is one “least of these” in your life you can serve this week, and what specific act of kindness can you offer them?

Day 4: You Are Unique—God’s Presence Sets You Apart

Each believer is unique, not because of personal quirks or differences, but because of the presence and anointing of God that abides within. This uniqueness is what empowers us to make a difference in a world that desperately needs hope and light. We are not called to blend in or be “run of the mill,” but to stand out as God’s workmanship, created for good works that He prepared in advance for us to do. Embracing your God-given uniqueness allows you to fulfill your purpose and impact those around you in ways only you can. [01:23:24]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: What is one unique gift, passion, or perspective God has given you, and how can you use it this week to bless someone else?

Day 5: Discipleship—Making a Difference Together

Making a difference is not just about individual acts, but about investing in others and multiplying the impact through discipleship and community. When we spend time with others, encourage them, and help them grow in their faith, we are passing on what we have received and lighting up the world together. True discipleship happens in relationship, as we walk alongside others, share life, and help each other catch the spirit of following Jesus. The church becomes a place known for making a difference when everyone steps up, serves, and pours into the lives of others. [01:26:00]

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally invest in or encourage in their walk with Jesus this week, and what step will you take to do so?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered in the presence of the Lord, reminded that God is as close as our next breath and that His strength and guidance are available to us every moment. As we worshipped, we sensed a refreshing from the well of salvation, a strengthening of our inner man, and a call to linger in God’s presence. The heart of our time together centered on the call to “make a difference”—not just in grand gestures, but in the everyday moments of our lives. Whether at work, in the neighborhood, at the grocery store, or even within our own families, we are called to be salt and light in a world that is both decaying and dark.

Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 remind us that as kingdom citizens, our essential character is to be both preservers and illuminators. Salt preserves, purifies, and flavors, but if it loses its distinctiveness, it becomes ineffective. In the same way, when we allow the world’s values to dilute our uniqueness in Christ, we lose our ability to influence and transform. Light, on the other hand, is meant to be seen. We are not to hide our light but to let it shine through good works, so that others may see and glorify our Father in heaven.

We looked at the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25, where Jesus makes it clear that our acts of kindness—feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned—are not just good deeds, but are done unto Him. These simple, Spirit-led acts are what distinguish the sheep from the goats; they are the evidence of a life transformed by Christ and attentive to His voice.

Throughout history, God has used ordinary people—Moses, Esther, Deborah, Ruth, Rahab, and many others—to make extraordinary differences. Their stories remind us that obedience, even in small things, can change families, communities, and nations. Locally, we see this in those who courageously advocate for truth and serve their communities, sometimes just by knocking on doors or encouraging a child.

We are unique, not because of our own merit, but because of God’s presence and anointing in us. Our uniqueness is our witness. As we continue to walk in the Spirit, disciple others, and serve in practical ways, we fulfill our calling to be difference-makers. Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. May we be known as a people and a church that truly make a difference.

---

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Nearness and Refreshing Presence: God is not distant; He is as close as our next breath. In moments of worship and stillness, He refreshes and strengthens us from within, reminding us that spiritual renewal is available even after long, difficult journeys. This nearness is the foundation for everything we do, empowering us to face each day with hope and courage. [00:01]
2. The Call to Be Salt and Light: Our identity as followers of Jesus is to be both salt and light in a world that desperately needs preservation and illumination. Salt loses its effectiveness when it becomes mixed with the world’s values, and light fails its purpose when hidden. Maintaining our distinctiveness in Christ is not about being strange, but about being a visible, tangible witness to God’s transforming power. [53:19]
3. Making a Difference Through Good Works: The acts of kindness and service we perform—no matter how small—are seen by God and are counted as service to Him. Jesus’ teaching about the sheep and the goats reveals that our moral character is revealed in our actions, especially toward “the least of these.” Every Spirit-led act of love, encouragement, or generosity is a way we partner with God to bring His kingdom to earth. [68:23]
4. Obedience and Uniqueness in God’s Purpose: Throughout Scripture and history, God has used ordinary people who were willing to obey, even when they felt inadequate or overlooked. Our uniqueness is not a liability but a gift, marked by God’s presence and anointing. When we embrace our God-given identity and step out in obedience, we become agents of change in our families, workplaces, and communities. [83:24]
5. The Power of Discipleship and Community: Making a difference is not a solo endeavor. As we disciple others, serve within the church, and build relationships, we multiply the impact of our witness. True discipleship is often “caught” more than taught, as we model Christlike living and invest in others. Together, as a community, we can light up even the darkest places and be known as a people who make a lasting difference. [81:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Entering God’s Presence and Worship
[05:30] - Tarrying in the Spirit and Receiving Strength
[10:00] - Are You Ready? Putting Off the Old, Putting On the New
[15:00] - The Call to Make a Difference
[18:30] - The Beatitudes: Character of Kingdom Citizens
[23:00] - Salt of the Earth: Preserving and Flavoring the World
[28:00] - Light of the World: Shining in Darkness
[33:00] - Letting Your Light Shine Through Good Works
[38:00] - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
[45:00] - The Power of Small Acts and Spirit-Led Kindness
[50:00] - Biblical Examples of Difference Makers
[55:00] - Honoring Local Difference Makers
[60:00] - Practical Ways to Serve and Volunteer
[65:00] - The Uniqueness of God’s People
[70:00] - Discipleship, Community, and Multiplying Impact
[75:00] - Invitation, Blessing, and Closing Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV) — > “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 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 set on a hill cannot be hidden.
> Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.
> In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Matthew 25:31-40 (ESV) — > “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.
> Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
> And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.
> Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
> For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
> I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’
> Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
> And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?
> And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
> And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”

Observation Questions

According to Jesus in Matthew 5, what are the two main things He calls His followers to be in the world? What do these metaphors mean?
In the parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25), what specific actions does Jesus say are done “unto Him”?
The sermon mentioned that salt loses its effectiveness when it gets mixed up with the world’s values. What does that look like in practical terms? [[53:19]]
What are some examples from the sermon of ordinary people in the Bible who made a difference by obeying God? [[01:10:00]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose the images of salt and light to describe His followers? What do these images communicate about our role in the world?
The sermon said, “Our uniqueness is our witness.” How does being different from the world help us point others to God? [[53:19]]
In Matthew 25, why do you think Jesus identifies so closely with “the least of these”? What does this teach us about how God sees acts of kindness and service?
The pastor said, “Good works make a difference. Good works change our society.” How do small, Spirit-led acts of kindness actually impact the world around us? [[01:08:23]]

Application Questions

The sermon said God is “as close as your next breath.” When was the last time you felt God’s nearness in a regular, everyday moment? How can you become more aware of His presence this week? [[00:01:00]]
Where in your daily life (work, neighborhood, family, grocery store) do you sense God calling you to be salt and light? What is one specific way you can “let your light shine” in that place this week? [[53:19]]
Think about the “good works” Jesus describes in Matthew 25—feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, visiting the sick, etc. Which of these comes most naturally to you? Which one is a stretch? What is one step you could take to serve someone in need this month? [[01:08:23]]
The sermon gave examples of ordinary people—like Moses, Esther, Ruth, and Rahab—who made a difference by obeying God. Is there something God has been nudging you to do, even if it feels small or you feel unqualified? What’s holding you back? [[01:10:00]]
The pastor talked about people in our own church and community who are making a difference, sometimes just by encouraging a child or knocking on doors. Who is someone you know who is quietly making a difference? How can you encourage or join them? [[01:21:15]]
The sermon said, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Have you ever felt tired or discouraged in serving others? What helps you keep going? [[01:23:24]]
Discipleship and making a difference is often “caught” more than taught. Who has modeled Christlike living for you? Is there someone you could intentionally invest in or spend time with this month? [[01:21:15]]

Sermon Clips

I've been noticing that sometimes He just shows up. He shows up when it's just me. I'm just there. All of a sudden, He's there. And I go, wow. I wonder if we'll get to this place to where we just kind of walk in the Spirit all the time. Wouldn't that be it? We'd just be totally different, wouldn't we? [00:53:19]

I believe it's, we're living in a time, in this time where it's so important for us to make a difference. You can make a difference when you go to work. You can make a difference when you're driving down the street in the car. You can make a difference if you go to the gym. Very few of you do. But if you did want to go, then you could make a difference. That was kind of mean, wasn't it? Okay. Hallelujah. But if you decide to go one day, you can make a difference wherever you're at at the grocery store. [00:54:59]

Christians should be salt in this decaying world that we're in hallelujah and and so it says that if you lose this it said well how shall it sell how shall it be seasoned it said it is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men that's another thing that they did after it lost its seasoning they threw it out in the street and they could walk on it because it would it would help absorb the moisture if it was raining but it says that if we lose that that we'd be good for nothing i didn't say that if we lose our our flavor then we we might be called a good for nothing christian and i don't want to be a good for nothing christian and the way we do that is just what we we lose our flavor when we do this that we get mixed up in the world and allow its values to get in us and when we do that we lose our uniqueness as a christian. [00:59:17]

It's our uniqueness as a Christian that helps us to be a witness in this dark world. It helps us to be the salt that this world needs because we need to make a difference and if we lose that when then we use we lose our ability to for to change the world and god wants us to make a difference we live in a very decaying world sometimes it stinks doesn't it. [01:00:30]

The power churn changes you and turns you into a different person going back you put off that old man and you put on and the new man the life of god in you and so and so i was thinking it's not only it only stinks sometimes but it's dark so the world needs illumination and that's you and that's me the world needs illumination hallelujah. [01:01:41]

You are the light of the world you make a difference wherever you go hallelujah you are the light of the world you make a difference wherever you go you make a difference you guys back there you're the light of the world hallelujah i'm and and if this is a challenge to you then it should be you need to step up but you're the light of the world. [01:03:23]

If you're the light of the world there's a couple of things you don't need to do with that like it's almost like if you're the light of the world i was thinking that we have this switch in us and it goes click and there shouldn't ever be a time when we turn that switch off it should be click it should be on when we get up in the morning and when we go to bed at night it should stay on man even even then hallelujah. [01:04:40]

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Hallelujah. Again, where do you show people your good works? At work or in the neighborhood, you show your good works. Hallelujah. And I'll talk about that in just a minute. You know, if you hid that, though, it would be contradictory to its purpose. Its purpose is to illuminate us and make us different. Hallelujah. So we can make a difference. Hallelujah. And here's what it is. Your light shines when you do good works, and it glorifies Him. Real simple. [01:05:32]

We do good works, and it's not to blow our horn or get attention for ourself. We do it because God's called us to do that. He's called us to make a difference in our community, make a difference in our culture. God has called every one of us to do this. [01:06:18]

All the acts, the little acts that we do, And I talk about this, Be led by the Spirit of God. And it could be something as simple as you call somebody up on the phone, And you pray for them. It could be that you take somebody dinner. It could be that you just do something like, You know, I was thinking about driving to Starbucks, And paying for someone's drink behind me. What's it called? Pay it forward or whatever. Just something like that. You do some kind of an act. Because that's what sheep do. Hallelujah. [01:09:05]

There is this kingdom, There's this place that was made for us from the foundation of the world. And it's there. hallelujah and all we have to do is continue to be a light continue to be the salt and make a difference wherever we go god wants us to be a difference maker because see jesus when he comes back he's going to come back with judgment and and it and it's really judging our moral character and and and it could either be good or bad and our character is revealed by what we do our charitable deeds or the lack thereof. [01:09:59]

We are what did i say a while ago what was that word i used we are unique hallelujah man that guy's so unique you know sometimes you say it like this that's a unique individual but we are unique in a positive way hallelujah and god wants us in fact i heard this in my spirit it says he told me ephesians 2 10 he said this for we are god's workmanship created in christ jesus for good works good works which god prepared beforehand that we should walk in them the good works good works that all the way through this i just wrote it in my handwriting which is hard to read but good works make a difference good works change our society good works really what they what they do is is they good works are just awesome they are and and when you do something good you know i heard this there are a lot of people who who feel unfulfilled and and they're sad they they feel like there there's something wrong with them and i believe it's because of this that they never obeyed the lord to do what he told them to do it could be something little or something big and we all know this that when we make someone's day it makes our day doesn't it. [01:12:07]

Every day we need to get up in the morning now i was thinking about about changing changing the world hallelujah making a difference in the world and so i just googled uh just a few things and i don't know if it's google or ai i guess it really doesn't matter but but listen to this you moses a pivotal figure who led the israelites out of the egyptian out of egyptian slavery received the ten commandments and guided them through the wilderness now you remember the story hallelujah he went there and he didn't even really want to do it he said i stutter and and and i don't want to go back there and the lord said you do it and he says well who do i tell him you are and he said tell him i am sit here hallelujah and he went back and he did it and he changed a nation he brought them out of slavery. [01:14:42]

It's one person, but it's also a lot of people knocking on doors. And, and, and when you do things like this, we make a difference. We are salt and we are light. There's so many ways we can do that, but I, you know, even beyond that, if you will just spend time with God, he's going to tell you what you ought to do. And you read the Bible, if you read the Bible, he'll begin to show you things that you can do that makes a difference at your job. Again, it could be your job. It could be when you're just driving down the road or it could be in your neighborhood. Hallelujah. It could be any place in your family. What about that one in your family? [01:23:01]

You are unique. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. You're not weird. You're not different. I'm unique. Hallelujah. I'm unique. Why? You know, I was just thinking about that yesterday. I was meditating on this and, and I was just thinking, what makes us unique? I believe it's God's presence. His anointing, that anointing that abides in us. So we're not the run of the mill people. No, we're different. And we make a difference. [01:24:08]

Sometimes you know what people think they'll say well you know what they're not talking to me it's so easy i can't do that yeah you can it's really easy you know what you can and you can make a difference within the four walls of this church hallelujah you can step up there's things you can do all over this church you can usher you could be a greeter you could be a children's worker you could help pastor luke with what he's doing you know he has people that actually just cook because teenagers like to eat a lot but you need that don't you and he has volunteers to do that we need people to step up within the four walls and get active and you can make a difference and i believe in the end times that new creation church will be known as the church that makes a difference hallelujah. [01:24:53]

The best way to disciple somebody is when you spend time with them personally hallelujah right now there's there's these guys there's three guys in my life and what i do is i go have coffee with them or i have lunch with them i'm really kind of a lunch guy but i have lunch with them and and and and or just meet them in my office every once in a while and it's amazing i when when they leave i pray for them i you know because i want them i want them to get that spirit and every one of them become a a disciple i mean a discipler or a witness or someone and then they find somebody and and you just begin to spend time with them it's more i think this whole christianity thing's caught you can be taught but i think if you're around people who do it it can be caught. [01:26:12]

I don't want to be a goat hallelujah i want to be part of that one that says inherit this kingdom that has been here from the foundation of the earth what a promise that is so awesome. [01:28:56]

It was probably the coolest decision I ever made. And it was really, I mean, it changed my life. Now, it wasn't perfect, still not. But God came into my life. Jesus came into my heart. And I began to change from the moment that I received Jesus as my Lord. [01:31:01]

Everybody in here is part of the sheepfold. Amen? Amen. Praise the Lord. [01:32:14]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?