How Does Our Band Live

Salt adds flavor and preserves food. Light displaces darkness so we can see. Salt and light bring out goodness, driving away rottenness and darkness.

How was Jesus salt and light while on earth? To the woman at the well he knew her past, but rather than condemn her he offered living water (John 4). He forgave Peter after denying him (John 21). He taught radical ideas that we should love our enemies (Matthew 5), and not judge others (Matthew 7). Even while dying an undeserved torturous death, he pleaded for forgiveness for those who killed him (Luke 23).

He was a radical Superstar. Instead of pride he demonstrated humility. Instead of lording over others, he became a servant, including washing his disciples feet. Instead of demanding perfection, he offered grace and forgiveness. When Satan tempted him with everything in the world, he refused to be sidetracked from God’s plan, though it cost him his life.

What can we do to be salt and light? Jesus Christ has amazing transformation power. When he is part of my life, he can change me. In John 3 he told Nicodemus that he must be born again. Nicodemus couldn’t fathom how he could return to his mother’s womb to be reborn. Jesus tells him, it’s a matter of belief. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Belief is how we are reborn. Think of it as receiving a gift. Have you received it? If not, all it takes is a prayer something like this. “Lord Jesus, in my heart I know I’ve sinned against you and I need your forgiveness. Please take over my life.” Once we’ve received him, we start the process of allowing him to transform us because the Holy Spirit enters our lives.

For a while, we might be able to be salt and light under our own power, but at some point our true colors will show. When we’ve experienced the forgiveness and grace Jesus offers, the qualities that demonstrate salt and light show up because we’ve been transformed. I recently received the following reading from a band director I’ve admired over the years. It’s a great way to see if I’ve allowed Jesus Christ to transform me.

HOW DOES OUR BAND LIVE?
When the band lives with criticism, they learn to condemn.
When the band lives with hostility, they learn to fight.
When the band lives with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
When the band lives with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
When the band lives with ridicule, they learn to be shy.
When the band lives with jealousy, they learn to feel guilty.

If the band lives with encouragement, they learn to be confident.
If the band lives with tolerance, they learn how to be patient.
If the band lives with praise, they learn to be appreciative.
If the band lives with acceptance, they learn to love.
If the band lives with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If the band lives with fairness, they learn what justice is.
If the band lives with honesty, they learn what truth is.
If the band lives with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and those about them.
If the band lives with friendliness, they learn the world is a good place in which to live.

How is our band living?

(Written by Cliff StClair -Cliff is the band director at Sheldon High School in NW Iowa. He and his wife, Shairi, have 5 kids: Raleigh, 19; Lindsay, 17; Graeme, 15; Brittany, 14; and Allegra, 10. He previously taught in Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Sherburn MN. He was introduced to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as a 9th grader.)

Popularity: 34% [?]