Look what Jesus said and how we (I) feel:
Matthew 5
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (But I don’t want to be poor with a kingdom later; I want to be rich now!)
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. (But I don’t want to mourn; I want my life to be smooth and easy.)
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (But I don’t want meekness; I want power and prestige)
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. (But I would rather gratify my flesh.)
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (But I like scheming about my revenge; and it’s even sweeter when I can execute it!)
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (But my carnal appetites taste so sweet.)
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (But I like a good fight. My words are like swords!)
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Wait a minute… I didn’t sign up for that! I want to be liked and respected.)
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (But I don’t want to be lied about and reviled and persecuted. Isn’t there an easier way?)
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (How can I rejoice when things are going so bad?)
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Notice that it is in the context of the above verses that Jesus then said we are the salt of the earth… I believe He was not referring to how we make the world a better place by our presence (“taste good”), but more about how salt feels when placed in a wound (it burns, it hurts, it irritates, but it heals). Read these verses again with v. 3-12 in mind!
14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Again, in the context of the earlier verses I have the thought of how irritating a flashlight is when it is shined into your eyes in the dark. (“Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19) And yet, it is only by being the light that points the way to Jesus can those blinded by the darkness of sin be saved.
Sometimes living for Christ isn’t easy. – As my friend Joe Massey said, “Stand for the truth, and the same thing will happen to you and happened to the One who said, ‘I am the truth.’” God help us (me) to live for Him even when it isn’t comfortable!
