Serving the Lord and building a strong Christian character part three is based on moving into the next level of explanation for service to the Lord. Let’s focus on Christ now and review His life briefly.  We know that Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God and he came to this world to die for our sins.  As the Nicene Creed says by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man.  For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried.  On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.  Before he ascended, Christ spend 40 days on earth continuing His ministry as is stated in Acts chapter 1 verse 3:  After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.  In Matthew Chapter 28 verses 16 through 20, it states ¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Next, we read in Mark 16:15-16 ¹⁵ He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. ¹⁶ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.  This is called the Great Commission, and it is essentially marching orders for Christians.  We must take Christ’s orders seriously and work towards fulfilling them.  Hence, in this series, serving the Lord and building a strong Christian character part three will us finalized what God wants in our lives.

Jesus further elaborates about evangelism and how we must bring honor to the Father.  We are more than just mere humans; we are the salt and light of the world.  Let’s look at His teachings on these two illustrations and how that connects to the Great Commission.  Matthew Chapter 5, verses 13 through 16 it says, 13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.  When Christ spoke, He used relevant examples to better explain the Kingdom of Heaven to the masses.  That’s why it’s not by chance that He used the example of the salt.  Salt was undeniably understood by all for its value to sustain life.  It had a specific purpose, a duty to accomplish – which is what the Lord requires of us. 

Furthermore, salt had a major significance in the ancient world, and at one point it was more valuable than gold.  It had many significant properties such as, seasoning and food preservation.  The ancient world did not have refrigeration; therefore, salt was a vital part of man’s subsistence.  Another interesting fact about salt is that it was used by the Romans to pay their soldiers.  Therefore, we get the word Salary from Salt.  We must strive to be what Christ has called us to be, and if we fail to fulfill His purpose, there is a dire consequence.  Christ says that once salt loses its purpose it will be thrown out and trampled underfoot.   We must be fruitful in our service to the Lord.

As a chemical compound, salt consists of Sodium Chloride (NaCl).  It can only lose its flavor through DILUTION which happens when it’s introduced to other compounds that act as a solvent.  We experience the same process in our lives.  If we allow the world to affect us, we essentially become diluted and become worthless to the Lord.  So, the world is our solvent that we must be cautious of.  Moreover, believers are filled with the Holy Spirit and contain the flavor essential to impact those around them.  The closer you are with the Lord, you exuberate His presence to the world.   I can attest to this fact because in my life I had experienced a time when I strayed away from the Lord.  In those years, I was entirely submerged in the world, and I became of this world.  It takes more energy to suppress God when you know your actions are sinful.  Therefore, our actions must bring glory to our Heavenly Father, and through us, non believers must see the Lord.  In my prodigal years, I don’t think I brought honor to the Lord. 

As we continue to read Matthew chapter 5, verses  14 through 16, Jesus says 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.  He now compares us to light; a powerful comparison to another thing that performs a major function on earth.  Light has a crucial role in illuminating darkness.  It’s essential for life and growth.  Jesus gave us this authority and has called us to shine with our actions which must bring Glory to our Heavenly Father.  Once we accept the Lord, the Holy Spirit will transform our lives, creating a light so strong that it will be like a lighthouse guiding ships to the harbor.  Since the Lord prefers to use humans in communicating His message, we must be that light to world. 

The Apostle Paul takes this concept and adds to it in 2 Corinthians 5:20.  He says, ²⁰ Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.  As ambassadors we have two tasks to execute: Communicate Christ’s message of salvation and represent Jesus Christ honorably. 

So, I ask you, what have you done for the Lord?  Have you talked to your friends and family about Him, have you mentioned to them that Jesus came down to die for our sins? If not, take the Great Commission seriously and examine the examples of the Salt and Light as it relates to evangelism and representing His kingdom.  Remember Jesus sacrificed Himself for us, and we should take that beautiful message to all corners of the world. 

Lastly, have you cared for the poor and the sick?  Are you concerned with helping those less fortunate than you, and are you interested in helping orphans?  The Salt and Light in combination with the Great Commission is the banner by which we should live.  Serving the Lord and building a strong Christian character part three is meant to teach the believer about the service and working towards refinement in the faith. Serve the Lord, do His will and Love others as yourself. That’s why

If you haven’t already accepted the Lord Jesus Christ and don’t know where you will spend your eternal life, prayer this prayer to receive the Lord: Lord Jesus I know that I am sinner and I ask you forgive me of my sins.  I believe that you were crucified for my sins and through your blood I have redemption and salvation.  Please come into my heart and I receive you as my God.  I pray in Jesus name. AMEN