“The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough”
Matthew 13:33
Raise your hand if you haven’t eaten anything made with flour this month! If no hands are raised, then you’re likely the only person in the world who hasn’t. After all, even the devil knows bread is good! And guess who else appreciates bread? Jesus! That’s why the devil tempted him to turn stones into bread – see the humour there?
One of the indispensable ingredients in any baking process is the yeast. Yeast, though microscopic, has the incredible ability to leaven the entire batch of dough when mixed in. Similarly, as Christians, we find ourselves living within the cultural fabric of this world. Often, the prevailing culture may seem in opposition to the values of God’s kingdom. Yet, like yeast in the dough, our presence has the potential to permeate and transform the culture from within.
Just as a little yeast leavens a large amount of dough, so too can our lives, infused with the love and truth of Christ, influence the world around us. While our impact may not always be immediately apparent, given time, our words, actions, and attitudes can weave themselves through the fabric of society, bringing about positive change.
Living as agents of change within a culture that may be at clash with our Christian values can be challenging. However, just as yeast transforms the dough, our consistent and faithful lives have the potential to bring about transformation. It may start small, almost imperceptible, but with God’s grace and our faithful witness, the influence of His kingdom can spread throughout our communities, workplaces, and beyond.
So, as we step out today, let us be intentional about living out our faith, allowing the love of Christ to permeate every aspect of our existence. Through our words, actions, and the way we engage with the world, we can be instruments of transformation, bringing the kingdom of God into every corner of the world starting first with our immediate world.
PRAYER
Gracious Lord, help me to see my life as an agent of change within the culture I live in. May the love and truth of your kingdom work through me, transforming the world around me. Give me the strength and wisdom to be a faithful witness, even in the midst of opposition. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen
