Webster’s dictionary defines the word catalyst as: (1) a substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible. (2). an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action.
That agent can be a person and that substance can be an action done by that person which causes a reaction. This is true in the Kingdom ministry of Christians as the Lord Jesus instructs in Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” As salt stinks when applied to an open wound to heal, seasons foods which it is added, or preserves food to save, we are divinely equipped and commissioned to be salt from heaven in this fallen world to stink sin with the healing message of the Great Physician, to season the meaningless existence with the spice of life found in God’s meaningful Word, and to provide the preservative of the Gospel of Salvation to a lost and dying world.
The children of God are following Christ, but at the same time lights in the darkness of a sinful world, that those who blindly walk within it may see the way. Both salt and light act as a catalyst that applies to daily life and can ultimately lead to eternal life as well. Both bring salt and light bring help to people, whether temporary or lasting.
A good example of this was when I was talking to my teenage goddaughter about getting out of unwanted, unhealthy and/or immoral situations that might materialize while with friends. High School and Collage aged young adults put a great deal of interest on friends, fun and parties, but the definition of fun differs between people and at that age alcohol, drugs and sex tend to be brought into the equation of parties with friends. A godless society is blinded by sin and fleshy desires drive immoral behavior which expects all to accept and participate in. God says “Do not participate in such sinful acts” as drunkenness, mind-altering drugs or sexual immorality for pleasure and fun in sinful indulgence of the body (aka flesh). I told my goddaughter that when she found herself in such a situation at a party with friends, to calmly announce that she remembered that there was another place that she needed to go to (another friend needing help, another party that she needed to stop by, etc.) and immediately get up and leave saying “thanks and I’ll see you later”; removing herself from the bad situation.
Some time later, she told me that she and her boyfriend where at a party with friends and things suddenly went sideways as alcohol and drugs were brought out and distributed for use to release inhibitions, get drunk, get a buzz on and get high on. And then couples were starting to engage in sexual activities. So, she announced that there was somewhere else that she and her boyfriend needed to go, thanked everyone and got up to leave. But unknowingly, she was a catalyst. When she made her announcement and stood up to leave, another couple announced that they had some other place that they needed to go and stood up, then another, and another. Her taking the initiative and lead, allowed those that wanted out, but felt trapped in the situation to react and get out of the degrading situation also. She unintentionally rescued others.
Christians are led by the examples of Jesus and the teachings of the Word of God, but lead others in the process but being a living example of righteousness, with bonuses.
Glory to God.
In Christ, Brian
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