Being light=Being Real

I was challenged this weekend at church as the message was on the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew chapter 5...
The pastor talked about the "Beatitudes", and then moved on to verses 13-16:
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neiter do people ligt a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Fater in heaven"

What challenged me most, was that before Jesus calls people to be salt and light, he reminds people that they can be who they are "poor in spirit, mourning, meek, merciful..." (see Matthew 5:3-11 for reference). Basically, he calls people to be REAL and that is what He will use. The message this weekend that God really challenged me in, was that I don't have to be perfect to be in God's kingdom, I don't have to follow religious rules or act a certain way- God will use my imperfections, will use the characteristics He has given me and my "realness" with God will be salt and light to the world.

In my attempt to be real, I wanted to share what I was challenged by. If I want to be a light that is showing God, I need to be real and be myself....
~Em