Intentionally: Be the Salt and Light the World Needs!

Let’s choose to live out today intentionally, not by accident nor coincidence! Be the dads who know their purpose and choose to live purposefully as they step into their marriages, families, and world! Therefore, let’s be salt and light the world needs so that God will receive the praise, the honor, and the glory!

Why do we intentionally need to be salt?

Opting for intentional living is crucial. This choice ensures that when we step up to fulfill our role as ‘salt,’ we become a powerful force for good in our world. By doing so, we can have a profound and meaningful impact on the people around us through our faith, actions, and values. Just as salt enhances, so should we! To delve deeper into this concept, let’s first explore the purposes of salt, and then examine how we can apply these principles.

Purposes of salt:

• Preservation: Salt was a valuable commodity in ancient times because it was used to preserve food. As Christians, being “salt” suggests that we have a role in preserving and upholding moral and ethical values in society. Our presence and influence should help prevent the decay of good values.
• Flavor: Salt enhances the flavor of food. In this context, being “salt” means that we should bring positivity, joy, and goodness to the world. Our actions, words, and deeds should make life more meaningful and enjoyable for others.
• Purification: Salt was used as a purifying agent. Being “salt” implies that we should strive to purify our own lives and help others in their journey towards righteousness and a closer relationship with God.

How we can live intentionally as salt in this world:

• Live by Example: Lead a life that reflects Christian values and principles. Be a positive role model for others, showing love, kindness, humility, and compassion in your daily interactions.
• Share the Gospel: Actively share the message of Christ and the hope of salvation with others. Evangelism is a way of bringing the “salt” of the gospel to those who have not heard it.
• Serve Others: Engage in acts of service and charity, helping those in need. This demonstrates the love and compassion that being “salt” embodies.
• Promote Morality: Stand up for moral and ethical principles in your community and society. Encourage and support initiatives that reflect these values.
• Be a Peacemaker: Help reconcile conflicts and strive for peace in your relationships and community, reflecting the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:9).

Why do we intentionally need to be light?

Making the choice to live intentionally as bearers of light is a significant commitment. It means that we must serve as unwavering beacons of truth, love, and guidance in a world that frequently proves perplexing and demanding. Our lives should stand as living proof of the transformative influence of faith and the constant presence of God’s grace. Just as light serves its purposes, so should we! To delve into this concept further, let’s first explore the roles of light and then examine how we can put these principles into practice.

Purposes of light:

• Illumination: Light is a symbol of knowledge, understanding, and truth. As Christians, we are called to bring the light of God’s truth into the world, dispelling ignorance and darkness.
• Guidance: Light provides direction and helps people find their way. Being “light” means that our lives should be a source of guidance and support for others, helping them navigate the challenges and decisions they face.
• Revealing God’s Glory: Ultimately, the purpose of being “light” is to point people to God and glorify Him. Our actions and deeds should lead others to recognize the goodness and grace of God.

How we can live intentionally as light in this world:

• Live a Life of Integrity: Be a person of honesty and integrity in all your dealings. Let your actions and words be a reflection of the truth and values of your faith.
• Share God’s Word: Actively share the teachings of the Bible with others. Engage in discussions, Bible studies, and other means of spreading spiritual knowledge.
• Show Love and Compassion: Demonstrate love and compassion towards others, just as Jesus did. Acts of kindness, empathy, and helping those in need can be a powerful way of being “light.”
• Provide Guidance: Be a mentor or guide to those seeking wisdom and direction in their lives. Offer support and counsel based on your faith and experience.
• Lead by Example: Let your life be a shining example of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Your character and conduct should inspire others to seek a deeper relationship with God.
• Bring Hope: In a world often marked by despair and darkness, be a source of hope and encouragement. Let your optimism and faith shine brightly.
• Promote God’s Glory: Ultimately, live your life in a way that brings glory to God. When others witness your good deeds and see the light of Christ in you, they may be drawn to a deeper spiritual journey.

The world is in need of them! The world is looking for them! Will you answer the call to be them for the glory of God?

Today’s Verse of the Day:

Therefore, let’s be the dads who are a positive influence on others! Moreover, let’s be the dads who are a light in our children’s lives and to help them grow into kind, compassionate, and responsible adults! Finally, let’s be the dads who are a positive influence on others in our communities by volunteering, mentoring, or simply being a good neighbor!

So how can we put today’s verse of the day into practice that helps us be the dads that God created, purposed, and plans for us to be? What can we apply from it towards being the dads our wives, kids, and world need us to be?

Applications of Isaiah 60:3 towards living intentionally for the glory of God for the sake of our wives, kids, and world:

• Be a Light of Faith: Just as nations are drawn to the light of God, be a shining example of faith in your home. Let your actions, words, and love for God draw your family closer to Him.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate integrity, compassion, and humility in your daily life. Your family will look up to you and emulate your behavior.
• Prioritize Your Relationship with God: As the verse speaks of the brightness of dawn, make spending time with God a daily priority. A strong connection with Him will enable you to lead your family more effectively.
• Cultivate a Grateful Heart: Show your family the importance of gratitude for God’s blessings in your life. Expressing thankfulness can create a positive atmosphere in your home.
• Teach the Word of God: Just as nations seek the light, share the teachings of God with your family. Regularly study and discuss the Bible together to grow in faith.
• Be a Loving and Supportive Husband: Your marriage sets the foundation for your family. Love your wife unconditionally, support her dreams and aspirations, and make your relationship a beacon of love and respect.
• Foster a Loving and Nurturing Environment: Create a home filled with love, kindness, and encouragement. Your children should feel safe and cherished within your family.
• Encourage Service to Others: As nations come to your light, instill a sense of responsibility and service in your children. Teach them to be a positive influence on the world by helping those in need.
• Embrace Diversity: Just as the verse speaks of nations, celebrate and respect diversity in your family. Teach your children the value of accepting and loving people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
• Pray for Your Family and the World: Pray for your family’s well-being, spiritual growth, and for the needs of the world. Show your children the power of prayer and the importance of interceding for others.

Let your light shine and spice things up like salt for the glory of God:

Living intentionally for the glory of God and the benefit of your wife, kids, and the world is a noble pursuit. Remember that your actions and the example you set have a profound impact on those around you. By applying these principles inspired by Isaiah 60:3, you can be a source of light and inspiration to your family and make a positive contribution to the world.