February 8, 2026
Happy Sunday,
It’s a sports weekend (catch up here). That means opening ceremonies and halftime shows and high-dollar commercials… many of which might make believers a little uncomfy or downright offended.
Here’s the reality: the world will be worldly. Nonbelieving folks will bear all kinds of fruit that isn’t from the Spirit. The question isn’t whether the culture gets it wrong, but whether God’s people—you and I—are getting it right. Are we living distinct, holy, salty, light-shining lives?
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:13-14, 16 ESV
Our role as salt and light is not to judge the food’s tastelessness or condemn the gloom of darkness; our role is to be distinct and to shine—to radiate the love and hope of Christ so that the world turns to Him.
You can and must use your discernment to decide what entertainment is fit for your eyes and ears. But if your evaluation of the world grows contempt in you rather than compassion for the lost, you’ve moved into judgment. And that job belongs to the Lord alone.1
So if when the show goes against the grain of the Spirit, remember your mission: not to turn up your nose at a broken world, but to bless it with the hope of Jesus so that all may worship Him.
Let’s pray for saltiness and brightness that blesses our world:
Father in Heaven,
You have called mourners, the meek, and the persecuted “blessed.”
You celebrate childlike dependence, costly forgiveness, self-sacrifice, and service.
You love modesty, humility, and weakness.
Your kingdom is an upside-down one that is foolish to the world.
But to us, it is wisdom and life.2
When we are angered by the world’s foolishness, grow our compassion.
When we feel threatened by its hatred, strengthen and encourage us.
And when we are drawn in and swept up by the world’s promises
of beauty, wealth, success, and fame,
preserve our saltiness.
In a world that seeks to slowly neutralize the aroma of Christ
and dull our distinct perfume,
rub off on us the sweet smell of Your Spirit.3
As we engage with sports and entertainment,
equip us to be faithful ambassadors of Your Kingdom,4
bringing Your culture of hope and customs of love
to the broken, lost places in our earthly outposts.
Train us to celebrate the good in our communities—
the discipline, the creativity, the beauty, the camaraderie—
and to cultivate it among our neighbors in all places of our exile
so that we may bless the world You love
and point others to You through multiplying good works.5
Father, may our prayer be a fragrant incense before You.
Bring Your kingdom here.
And while we wait, make us salty and bright6
by the power of the Spirit, for the fame of Jesus,
in whose name we pray. Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Steph Juliot
Recommended Reading (& Listening)
1. 1 Corinthians 5:9-10
2. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
3. 2 Corinthians 2:14-17
4. 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
5. Titus 2:11-14
6. This handsome, brilliant man’s sermon (starting at 5:56) for a deeper dive on salt and light.
Recommended Resource
My four-year-old just transitioned from naptime to quiet time, and her new favorite companion is her Yoto player with cards from Kaleidoscope. She loves listening to their clear, winsome Bible stories, and I love that she’s associating God’s Word with rest. Check out Kaleidoscope to captivate little ears, eyes, and hearts with Scripture.*
*from TPO’s partners
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