This week’s devotional guide has Matthew 5:13-16 as its inspiration. In that text Jesus tells his disciples that they “and they alone” are salt and light in the world. This sermon explores how bringing good news to the WHOLE world has always been in the heart of God.

This week’s reading guide:

Monday, January 9. Read Proverbs 4:14-18; John 5:33-35. What path does Proverbs say to avoid? What happens when one takes the other path? How is what Proverbs say about paths similar to what Jesus said about John’s life?
Tuesday, January 10. Read 1 Peter 2:11,12. What advice does Peter have for his readers? What is the objective a disciple of Jesus? What do you think that means for your life?
Wednesday, January 11. Read 1 Corinthians 10:31-33. According to Paul in this passage, what should the objective of “everything you do” be? If you don’t live this way, what is the possible outcome of that?
Thursday, January 12. Read Philippians 2:14-15. What does it mean to live like a “blameless and innocent” disciple of Jesus? Who sees you behavior?
Friday, January 13. Read 2 Corinthians 9:11-15. What happens when one is generous? Behavior ripples out in influence. How do you see your influence moving outward toward others? What is its effect?
Saturday, January 14. Read Matthew 5:13-16. This is Sunday’s sermon text.

Devotional Reading of the Week
Thermostat or Thermometer?
Are you a situation complainer or an environment changer?
by Mike Barres

Many air conditioners and heaters today come with a small unit that hangs on the wall. This small unit has two things in it — a thermometer and a thermostat. Which one are you? We all tend to function as either one or the other. Are you a thermometer or a thermostat? A thermometer measures the temperature. A thermostat changes the temperature. One tells about the conditions surrounding it while the other makes a difference in those conditions in the environment where it is located.

Anyone can describe a situation, or complain about a problem. It’s not hard to be a thermometer. However, as Christians we are called to make a difference in the atmosphere where we are. Jesus said, “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.” (Matthew 5:13 NKJV) Salt flavors what it touches and can preserve many things from decay. Are we being salt to those around us? We are called to be condition changers — “we’re thermostats and not just thermometers!

Jesus also said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NKJV) Are we being light in the darkness around us? Once again, we are called to be environment changers — “thermostats and not just thermometers”!

I heard someone say that as Christians we can be the shock absorbers that smooth out the potholes in the road of life. Just as the apostle Paul reminded us, we have the fruit of the Spirit flowing through us so we can demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control even in the toughest situations. (Galatians 3:22-23) He’s reminding us that we’re “thermostats and not just thermometers”!

In a very difficult environment in Ephesus, Paul told Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV) Paul was reminding Timothy that he could be a difference-maker in the lives of others even as a young man. His message to Timothy is a reminder to us that we are to be “thermostats and not just thermometers”!

So with God’s help, we can be salt and light, we can demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit, and we can be an example of those around us — both believers and non-believers — by changing the atmosphere where we find ourselves. So the next time you are in an uncomfortable place — either too hot or too cold — ask yourself, “Am I being a thermometer or a thermostat?” Anyone can describe a situation, or complain about a problem. It’s not hard to be a thermometer. However, as Christians we are called to make a positive difference in the atmosphere where we are.

Hymn of the Week
Pass It On by Kurt Keiser

Verse 1
It only takes a spark
To get a fire going
And soon all those around
Can warm up in its glowing
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it
You spread His love to ev’ryone
You want to pass it on

Verse 2
What a wondrous time is spring
When all the trees are budding
The birds begin to sing
The flowers start their blooming
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it
You want to sing it’s fresh like spring
You want to pass it on

Verse 3
I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I’ve found
You can depend on Him
It matters not where you’re bound
I’ll shout it from the mountain top
I want my world to know
The Lord of love has come to me
I want to pass it on

Prayer for the Week
Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan
proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit:
Grant that all we who are baptized into His Name may keep the covenant we have made,
and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior;
who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns,
one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.