Casual Paint

There once was a big bill board along a highway advertising Dutch Boy paint. Displayed was this father painting his house. Standing in his shadow was this little boy, maybe four or five, watching with admiration for father. Almost unnoticed, this father was getting casual paint all over his son. This is a perfect example of two ideas used by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 where Jesus says "You are the salt of the earth," followed by the statement "You are the light of the world." Whether intentionally or casually we are called to be salt and light in the world. More often than not we have our greatest influence without any awareness of it. Without even trying we get casual paint not only on our children but on all our friends, and sometimes on strangers. God does his greatest work through us when we are truly his servant. Often we never hear about the blessings we bring to others. If we are faithful in serving God it doesn't matter that we hear. There is, of course, the flip side of this story, too. We sometimes get the wrong kind of casual paint on family members and friends, and it is not easily washed off.



We leave casual paint on those around us with the way they relate to people, how we go about our work, and the way we love each other. Without our awareness there are those standing in our shadow, getting casual paint all over them. Lets take the time to think about how we influence those around us.






Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.


- Matthew 5:16 (King James Version)






Dear Lord we pray that we would be the salt and the light that You have called for us to be. We pray that our light would shine brightly for you. In Jesus’ name, amen.