Culture Shaping

What do you think when I say “You can change the World?” (pause for responses)

Do you think it is possible for you to change the world?

Why or why not?

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.

Salt-

You cannot hide salts presence in something. Once it has salt in it you cannot remove it.

Why is it so significant that Jesus mentions this?

Just as Christ said “We are the Salt of the Earth”

Once Christ inserts himself into the world through us salt cannot be taken out.

This should empower us to change our schools, our communities, the lives of those around us.

Tell me what you envision when you think “City on a Hill”?

City on a Hill

A City that stands on a hill stands above everything else.

It is visible by the world and it can see all of its surroundings

You cannot hide this city because of its location.

In the same way, not only can you change the world but by the standards of Christ you are expected to.

You are expected to be as a city on a hill, shining your light on all that surrounds.

If we fail to do this we fail to live to the standards in which Jesus has set for us.

We fail in this scenario to broadcast our faith to the world around us.

A Lamp

A Biblical lamp would have been the only means for the house to have light.

If the lamp had been hidden no one could see.

Or if the one who owned the lamp kept it for himself, no one else would be able to see the light.

Then it would benefit no one.

What if you envision yourself as these objects.

If you find yourself as salt, or as a city on a hill, or as a lamp you have an obligation to the people around you.

What does it mean to live a life of influence?

A life of influence is expected by the standard of our Lord.

now the question comes, do you have to be famous to have a life of influence?