Practical ways of how to add value to my generation
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 5:13-16 ESV
Why did Jesus call us the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World?
Jesus, in this scripture, is simply saying that as a Christian, wherever you go, whatever you do, whoever you interact with, you are expected to leave with them an indelible mark of your Christian value(s) as a force(s) of positive influence in their life, so much that they will give glory to your father in heaven.
Moses poured so much into the life of his assistant, Joshua, so much so that when he died, God saw Joshua fit to step into the shoes of his leader; to lead the children of Israel to the Promised Land.
Christian values are principles that are based on the word of God, taught by Jesus Christ and are expected to be a compass for (to form the basis of) our daily living with others – believers and non-believers alike.
What are the Values and How can we add them to our lives?
- Love and Compassion
These values form the core of the actions and teachings of Jesus Christ.
In Mathew 22:37-40:
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbour as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.
For so many people, a show of love makes them open their hearts to you and embrace you. With this open heart/mind, you could influence them positively in the way of the Lord becoming a salt and light unto them. This was what endeared Ruth to Naomi. Love and compassion from Apollo was what turned the life of run-away Mark around, brought the best out of him and later became a writer of one of the gospels in the Bible.
- Being Generous
This is another virtue that can endear you to people: living them with a heart to be a recipient of your godly influence.
In 1 Timothy 6:17-19:
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
- Being Courageous
When people see you as bold and confident, not timid, they will tend to respect you and be open to your leadership. Fearfulness breeds contempt and a lack of respect for leadership.
- Humility
This is a value that can draw people close to you and make them accepting of your influence. Pride on the other hand repels people away from you.
From Philippians 2:8-11, we read about the benefit of humility from Jesus’ life:
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.