Salt and Light

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (NIV) Matthew 5:16

JESUS Christ used two substances that permeate and transform the food, or the darkness, in which they are found. Like salt and light, the church is to transform its surrounding society. We should not build the kingdom of God in secret; it is the light for the world.

Salt is often produced as tiny grains and is not expensive given its prevalence. Yet its value far outweighs its apparent insignificance. Christians are to be like salt and have a positive impact on the culture far beyond what is expected from the powerless. The meaning of Jesus’ metaphor is probably not limited to any single benefit we get from salt, but we will highlight its preservative quality. The church must have a preserving effect on society and by its influence prevent the world from rushing headlong toward ungodliness. But take note that we are salt only if we maintain our difference from the world around us.

Christ’s call for us to be salt and light is not an impossible one. In keeping with the New Testament ethics, Jesus first tells us what we are and then calls us to live up to that standard. In Him, we are salt and light (Matt. 5:13–16), and so we are to live out by faith what He has made us.

If you are discouraged by your "saltlessness" or darkness, remember that Jesus declares you to be salt and light and therefore encourages you to get up and press on, knowing that by the power of the Holy Spirit you can obey His charge.

Do you want to be that salt? || More