Jesus said we must do the works of Him that sent Jesus, operating as the light of the world (John 9:4). Many Christians desire to operate as the salt and light of their world but often struggle to know how to start. Making a difference in the world requires more than just prayer. While prayer is the master key and nothing gets done without it, we also need to take practical steps. Prayer sets the foundation, but our actions build upon it. To truly align yourself with your mission and make a tangible impact, you must take additional steps beyond prayer.
The four steps to align yourself with your mission are to be attentive, be intelligent, be reasonable, and be responsible. First, be attentive to God, as Psalm 123:1-2 reminds us, and also stay aware of the news and events happening around you. You have to pay attention. Like Gideon, who was attentive to everything around him (Judges 6:11-13), we must observe and understand our environment. Next, be intelligent—study to show yourself approved (2 Timothy 2:15). Intelligence in this context means acquiring the knowledge necessary for your mission and being prepared to act on it.
Be reasonable and operate with principles. Our spiritual life centers upon the principles of righteousness, mercy and justice. Don’t be a Christian who acts solely on emotions without understanding principles and fairness. You should be someone that can be reasoned with. Finally, be responsible. You cannot receive insights from God about things you do not care about. The secret to becoming the salt and light of your world is to take responsibility for the state of your world and actively work towards a better future. By being attentive, intelligent, reasonable, and responsible, you can effectively watch your world and influence it positively.
