The Lord places us in situations, and at times, these are not comfortable. We are delusional if we think grassy meadows and buttercups will also surround us. Or, for this coming season, a hot chocolate, a warm fire and soothing music. As we all know, there are many challenges and stumbling blocks in our path, and one challenging area is dealing with difficult people or uncomfortable situations. One of my challenges is dealing with close friends and family members who are not followers of Christ (yet), and it can be a true test of will and character to get through these. It is tiring, unsettling, and edgy at times, and other times, I find it lonely as I find myself so very different from who they are and what they follow and care about. Sometimes, I can see they don’t know how to relate to me or simply do not see or avoid me.
As uncomfortable as they are, I am trying to learn that I cannot hide from these encounters, and I have to trust that the Lord is placing me in these situations for a reason. I should not be consumed with planning ahead of time and thinking about what could happen but simply trust. Trust that He has a purpose, and honestly, I believe one of the purposes He reveals to me is to show up! He is calling me to be there as a witness for Him amidst the tension, conflict, or trouble.
Matthew 5:13-16 says, “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.”
I can demonstrate these verses simply by how I relate to others non-verbally or by being more involved in conversations or debates. It is a time for me to walk forward in faith, with humility, not pride, and to speak selectively and gently, to give the best of what He is bringing out of me to “salt” the situation selectively and be a good light. In many situations now, I say little, but I strive to be warmly present, serving others with an open heart. I need to work on being selective in what I say and how I say it.
His word tells us that we are in this world but are not to be of this world (John 17:14-15); we are to guard our hearts against all evil and to keep them from the evil one. How best can I do this? By surrendering to the Holy Spirit at these times and having my flesh nature take a back seat. If I act in my flesh, I will act like them – I know it because I have seen it; after all, they are family, and the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. But now I am in a new family, a new creation, and being called to a new account. I am called to walk as Jesus walked, see as He sees, hear as He hears, and love as He loves. It helps to pray before and after, and for these times, I am learning I actually have to be in touch with Him more. If my family gatherings are extended visits, I have to go back to the Well (to the Living Water) deliberately, more often, because the world drains me spiritually. So, the Lord calls on us as disciples to be close to our family and friends. But beware, He also tells us to guard our hearts. There may be times when it is not safe to interact – spiritually, emotionally or even physically unsafe. I am reminded to pray to the Holy Spirit for wisdom, discernment and guidance. I may be called to go or pray for them and the situation.
Father God, on a hillside in Galilee, your Son Jesus called us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Give us the strength and wisdom to become the people of the beatitudes in our day so that our words may season the world with the flavour of the Gospel and our lives be shining examples of Jesus, the true Light of the world. I ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
God bless you all, my sisters and brothers in Christ.
