Salt.  Cities on hills.  Lights.

This is what we've looked at in Matthew 5:13-16 so far. In this last verse of the passage, we see what exactly it is that makes us salty and makes us light. We do not read here of personal confrontation or political activism, we see that what makes us salty and bright is our works-the way we act and live our life. D.A. Carson says, "The norms of the kingdom, worked out in the lives of the heirs of the kingdom, constitute the witness of the Kingdom."

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.

Everyone knows somebody who says one thing but then does another. Consider the effect it has on a relationship when someone says they'll do something but then doesn't do it. Consider when that is repeated again and again. No one trusts that person. Not just that, when that person speaks or has something to say, nobody listens.

This is why our actions are vitally important. Our actions build trust. Think of the type of person you'd trust with details about your life that are difficult, personal and important. Would it be a person who is late to work, takes advantage of their employer, is often rude, not friendly, self-centered, jealous or angry?

Of all people in the world who have the leg up when it comes to our behaviors and attitudes it those who know Jesus. We have received mercy and grace. We have the Holy Spirit whose fruit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Who doesn't like those things?

Lastly, it is important to have the right understanding of why we live like this. We do it for the glory of God. We live this way not just to gain a popular and admirable reputation, ultimately we want people to understand why we act this way. We want people to know that our joy isn't in our achievement and status, but that it comes from the fact that we have a Savior named Jesus who has rescued us and now calls us sons and daughters.