In our Monday morning devotions, we have been journeying through the Sermon on the Mount, and last week I spoke about a powerful truth from Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew: “You are the salt of the earth” and “You are the light of the world.”
During this passage, we focused on what Jesus doesn’t say. He doesn’t say, “try to be salt”, he doesn’t say, “Work hard to become light.” He simply says, “You are”. This isn’t a role you can achieve; it’s an identity that you receive. This identity is given, not earned. It is not a reward for good behaviour or a title achieved through spiritual effort. It is a declaration of who we already are in Him.
In conversations throughout the week, I was reminded how easy it is for students to feel discouraged. Whether it’s disappointment in sport, frustration over test results, friendship conflicts or the quiet pressure of comparison, there can be a lingering sense of “not being good enough.” In a community filled with talent, leadership, and achievement, it’s easy to measure ourselves against the success that we see. When performance becomes the standard, our confidence can rise and fall with outcomes. But Jesus is offering something far more secure. There is nothing in our past, present, or future that excludes us from His forgiveness when we come to Him. It is grace – freely given, never earned.
As we journey through this term, let’s remember that achievements are worth celebrating, but they don’t define us. Seasons change, results can shift, applause fades. Our identity, however, remains steady.
Suzanne Warwick
College Chaplain • Pastoral Care
