Let me tell you why you are here.You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth.If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness?You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.Here's another way to put it:You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.God is not a secret to be kept.We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you?I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!Keep open house; be generous with your lives.By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God,this generous Father in heaven.
– Matthew 5:13-16 (The Message)