Day 20 | Witness

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 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. Matthew 5:13–16

An embassy is a place that reflects the culture, values, and way of life of its home country within the geographical boundaries of another country. Similarly, the church is meant to be a present-day embassy of God’s future kingdom. In other words, when people see the church, they should see a glimpse of what heaven will be like (in imperfect glimpse, to be sure, but a glimpse nonetheless).

The church is a witness to a watching world. More directly, when the people of Etown and the surrounding area come into contact with Heartland City Church and its members, they will form opinions on what God is like, what Jesus is like, and even what heaven is like based on their interactions with us.

Let us pray that we would be a church that reflects the culture and values of heaven—after all, that is where our ultimate citizenship lies (Phil. 3:20).

Prayer prompt: Pray for holiness in the church’s witness and reputation.