Locker Room Speech
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You and I are on a mission field. As followers of Christ stepping into the world each day, we live with the purpose of demonstrating God's love and pointing others to Him. In the simplest of terms, this is what it means to be "salt and light."
And while we have this incredible opportunity in front of us every day, I often find myself needing a spiritual pep talk. After all, Jesus warns that salt can lose its saltiness and that light can be hidden — and I don't want either of those things to be true of me. I want to live effectively for the kingdom, and I know I need daily motivation to do so. That motivation comes from meditating on the words of our Heavenly Father.
Let's look at Matthew 5:13-16 and remind ourselves of what Jesus said about our influence in the world:
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
These words of Jesus are powerful. He isn't suggesting that we should be salt and light — He says that we are salt and light. When I read these words, I feel both humility and boldness stir inside me. I feel the motivation I need to live each day for Him.
REFLECT
I come from a football family. We love the game and we live for the season. My husband was a high school quarterback. My brother-in-law played in high school and at Vanderbilt and now coaches his own high school team. And my youngest brother played in high school and at the University of Tennessee — which also happens to be my alma mater. Go Vols!
All that to say, when football season rolls around, we are all in. Ask our family to do something on a Saturday and we will politely decline. We spend our Saturdays doing what we call the three F's — Football, Food, and Fellowship. We love it. It's our passion and our priority.
And in all the games we've watched together, it's often the intensity of what happens before the game that moves me most. At my alma mater, the band plays, fireworks light up the sky, and a voice on the intercom declares, "It's football time in Tennessee!!" The players sprint onto the field with unstoppable determination. Fans rise to their feet. Witness that pregame moment and you'll agree — there is nothing casual about the players' entrance or their approach to the mission. They step onto that field with boldness, believing they have something unique and valuable to contribute. There is a hope in those moments that everyone can feel.
When I read Matthew 5:13-16, I can't help but think of that scene. To me, it feels like Jesus' locker room speech to us before we head out into the world each day. He knows we need to be reminded of who we are. He knows there will be moments when we limit or underestimate our ability to make an impact. He knows we need encouragement to live out the calling He has placed on our lives. In my mind, He is the loving Coach who calls His team toward grit and godliness for the long haul. When I frame His words that way, my heart gets excited. I want nothing about my approach to being an instrument of God's kingdom to be casual.
Jesus says we are the salt of the earth — and I feel the anticipation of how He might use me today.
Jesus says we are the light of the world — and I feel the courage I need to live distinctly for Him.
Jesus says we are a city on a hill that cannot be hidden — and I feel fear fall away as I stand up and take steps toward a broken world.
Jesus says let your light shine — and I feel my posture straighten, my chin lift, and my heart fill with the determination to help others encounter the love and mercy of God.
Like a player charging through the locker room door with his teammates, I am ready to go out into the world and do the work of the kingdom. My Heavenly Father — my Eternal Coach — has empowered me through His Word, and I feel both humbled and honored to answer His call. I'm all in, and I want you to be too. We've been invited to participate in the redemptive work of Christ, so let's step out of the tunnel and take the field together. The world doesn't need us to hide or conform — it needs us to shine.
RESPOND
Take a moment to reflect on what God might be leading you to do in light of what you've read:
What strengthens you to share your faith as you go out into the world? Who in your life encourages your growth toward Christ — someone you would say is truly "salt and light"?
This week, rewrite the verses with your own name inserted. For example: "Anna is the salt of the earth. Anna is the light of the world."
Listen to "You Say" by Lauren Daigle and let the words strengthen you to live in the identity Christ has given you.
REST
Take a moment to rest in God's presence. Consider one thing you want to carry with you from your time in the Word, then close your devotional time by praying:
Heavenly Father, help me to be empowered by Your words today. You say that I am the salt of the earth. You say that I am the light of the world. Lord, help me to live a courageous life of faith — one where I step into challenges and walk through fears. Help me to know that I am loved and empowered by You, my Eternal Coach. Help me to love those around me so well that, through my words and actions, they see You. Amen.
Port City writer Holly Campbell wrote today’s devotional.