When the Lights Go Out

The Importance of Being Salt and Light

In the midst of life’s chaos, it’s easy to forget our role as believers. Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. This dual role isn’t just a catchy phrase for Christian T-shirts; it’s a call to action.

Salt preserves and flavors. It prevents decay and adds taste. Similarly, we’re called to preserve the goodness in the world and add a divine flavor to it. Light, on the other hand, dispels darkness. It guides and illuminates. Our lives should shine brightly, reflecting the glory of God.

Understanding the Role of Salt

Salt is more than just a seasoning. In Jesus’ time, it was also a preservative. It kept food from spoiling. When Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth,” He’s asking us to preserve the good news and prevent evil from taking over.

But let’s be real. Sometimes, we can be a bit too salty in the wrong way. In teenage slang, being salty means being bitter or sarcastic. That’s not the kind of saltiness Jesus wants. Instead, we should bring a positive flavor to those around us. When people leave our presence, they should feel like they’ve encountered the living God.

The Significance of Light

Light is easier to understand. Jesus says, “You are the light of the world.” A city on a hill cannot be hidden. When we accept Jesus, His light comes to live inside us. This light should shine brightly, guiding others to Him.

Remember the children’s song, “This Little Light of Mine”? It’s more than a cute tune. It’s a powerful reminder to let our light shine. We shouldn’t hide it under a bushel. Instead, we should let it shine for all to see.

The Challenges of Keeping the Light Burning

Life can dim our light. When we first come to know Jesus, our light shines brightly. But as time goes on, life’s challenges can steal some of that flame. Parenting, work, and other responsibilities can make us feel overwhelmed and exhausted.

For instance, as a parent of six children, ranging from five to nineteen years old, life can be hectic. The stress and responsibilities of raising kids can take a toll on our spiritual light. But it’s not just parenting. Relationships, work, and even self-care can drain our energy and dim our light.

Recognizing the Signs of Burnout

Burnout is real. It’s not just physical exhaustion but spiritual and emotional fatigue. When we’re burnt out, we can feel like quitting. But it’s essential to recognize the signs and take steps to reignite our flame.

One way to do this is by identifying the “fire extinguishers” in our lives. These are the things that can put out our spiritual flame. Recognizing them is the first step to overcoming them.

Seven Fire Extinguishers of Life

Rick Warren, in his sermon on burnout, identifies seven common fire extinguishers that can dim our spiritual light. Let’s explore each of them:

1. Unbalanced Schedule

An unbalanced schedule can lead to burnout. Psalm 127:2 says, “It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?”

Rest is not a suggestion; it’s a commandment. Without proper rest, we can’t function at our best. We need to prioritize our relationship with God and make time for rest.

2. Unused Talent

First Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

God has given each of us unique talents. When we don’t use them, we waste God’s gifts. Using our talents to serve others brings joy and fulfillment. It also keeps our spiritual flame burning brightly.

3. Unconfessed Sin

Psalm 38:4-6 says, “My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly. I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning.”

Unconfessed sin can fester and weigh us down. God is holy and cannot be in the presence of sin. Confessing our sins brings peace and joy. It restores our relationship with God and reignites our spiritual flame.

4. Unresolved Conflict

Matthew 5:23-24 says, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”

Conflict can be a significant drain on our energy. It steals our joy and purpose. Resolving conflicts and letting go of resentment and bitterness can restore our light and bring peace.

5. Unsupported Lifestyle

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

We were not meant to do life alone. Isolation can lead to burnout. Surrounding ourselves with a supportive community of believers helps us stay strong and keeps our light burning brightly.

6. Unclear Purpose

Isaiah 49:4 says, “I have worked for nothing. I have nothing to show for a life of hard work.”

Having a clear purpose is essential. God has given us talents to be used for His purpose, not our own. When we align our lives with God’s purpose, our light shines brightly, and we find fulfillment.

7. Undernourished Spirit

Exodus 34:14 says, “You shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”

Our spirit needs nourishment just like our body. Spending time with God in prayer, worship, and reading His word is essential. Ignoring our spiritual needs can lead to burnout and dim our light.

Reigniting the Flame

If you find yourself feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, take a moment to reflect on these seven fire extinguishers. Identify which ones are affecting you the most and take steps to address them.

Remember, you are as close to God as you choose to be. He is always there, ready to reignite your flame. Turn to Him, confess your sins, resolve conflicts, use your talents, and surround yourself with a supportive community of believers.

By doing so, you can keep your light burning brightly and fulfill your role as the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

Conclusion

As we reflect on God’s words in Matthew 5:13-16, let’s remember our calling to be salt and light. Let’s avoid the pitfalls that can extinguish our light and instead, keep our flame burning brightly.

Whether you’re a parent, a student, or someone navigating the challenges of life, remember that God is with you. He loves you and wants to see your light shine. Turn to Him, and let your light shine before others, so they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.