Salt and Light

Mt. 5:13-14

"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.

 

Immediately before these verses, Jesus gave a blessing to those who were reviled and persecuted. They were to rejoice and be glad, because their heavenly reward was great. Jesus encouraged His followers to live for what follows this life even if it meant harm to them. With that foundation, He gave 2 metaphors so His followers would understand how they are to live even if it means persecution.

 

First, they are salt. The uses of salt are many, but for sure, it is a preservative, a healer, and a flavoring. As the believers share the message they are spiritual healers sharing the message that can preserve the lives of those who believe, but they also give a spiritual flavor to life. By their daily lives, they are sharing the message. They are living in such a way as to reveal Jesus in what they do and say. But Jesus warns His followers not to lose their taste. If they do, they are worthless. How would this happen? Perhaps it is living carelessly and allowing the world, the flesh, and the pride of life into the life, or it could be trying to live for Jesus at the same time as they are enjoying what the world has to offer. This is a no go. Jesus demands all or nothing!

 

Secondly, Jesus tells them they are lights on a hill, a light that cannot be hidden. His light within His followers shines out for all to see whether it is in words or daily living. Much like being salt, they must be 100% His. Their is no dimming of the light so they blend in better with the world. How crucial is the daily life of the believer! Do their words sync up with their lives? Do they try and hide who they are by blending in with the world and with Jesus? [thinking that then they are not offensive to anyone] If so, they are fooling themselves. Salt and Light are identifiers that clearly reveal Jesus being lived in the life. This is how His message is shared. This is how the believer brings glory to God! Am I salt and light? Am I conspicuously different wherever I go? Do those I come in contact with know that I love Jesus?

 

Father,

Thank You for these words. Teach me more each day about how to be salt and light. Give me Spirit-filled boldness as I share the message of Jesus.

In His name,

Amen