Jesus said you are the salt and light. You can influence and prevent things from decaying. As light, you can dispel darkness. Being salt & light is what we are going to dissect on this blog.

Highlights:

  1. You are the salt not just in the church, but of the earth.
  2. You are the light of the world. Without light, people get lost.
  3. Being salt and light carries a more significant responsibility.
Salt always preserves, always enhance flavor; Light always shows the way.

Both salt and light have properties that affect things around them. In the same way, as salt and light, you can influence those around you. It is the very nature of salt to preserve and to enhance flavor. Light, on the other hand, dispels darkness. It shows the way.

The Salt

The primary function of the salt is to prevent decay and corruption. When a refrigerator is not yet available, the way people preserve the food is by using salt. Salt is also a perfect seasoning. It enhances the flavor. Salt is used for seasoning to bring out the taste in food.

The Light

When you talk about light, it is always visible to show the way. Salt is hidden; you don’t see it at all. It just melts away into whatever it flavors or preserves. It works secretly to protect from the inside. But the light shines on the outside, it is open, and it is working visibly. The light dispels darkness by merely being present.

You are the Salt and Light

Jesus describes his disciples as salt and light. Anyone who will follow Jesus is both a salt and a light. A detailed narrative was written by Matthew in chapter 5 of his account, starting with verse 13.

You are the salt of the earth. Matthew 5:13

Jesus said you are the salt of the earth. A preservative of the planet. Without a preservative, things decompose, and things rot and stink. And this is your purpose. To preserve relationships, offices, schools, or even culture itself. You are not just a salt inside the church, but the salt of the earth.

Salt of the Earth

In the same way that salt preserves, it also enhances the flavor of the food it seasons. As a result, the followers of Christ stand out as those who “enhance” the taste of life in this world. Christians, living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in obedience to Christ, will inevitably influence the world for good. Salt has a positive influence on the flavor of the food it seasons. Where there is strife, you are the peacemaker. If there is sorrow, you are the ministers of Christ, binding up wounds. In the presence of hatred, you are to exemplify God’s love in Christ, returning good for evil.

And you are not only the salt but also the light of the world.

Light of the World

A friend of mine purchased a house in one of the subdivisions in the Philippines. It is a beautiful house in the exclusive neighborhood. One problem that he mentioned, though, there were no street lights. Although the management of this community said that it is a temporary issue, but at that moment, it was a big deal. He said they don’t feel safe since it is very dark outside their house. It is challenging to walk outside at night since there is no light to show the way.

“You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14

And this is the function of the light. It creates an atmosphere of safety. Light shows the way. You are the light of the world. You can illuminate the darkness that this world gives. Your life is like a city on a hill.

A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

Just like a city on a hill, you are like a strategically placed town. It may seem random to you, but no, you are where you are right now because God has a purpose in your life. And that is to become the light of wherever you are right now.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Let your light shine before men: Let it shine, people, that’s all He’s saying. You don’t have to light it or even crank it up. All you’ve got to do is let it go. And the reason for doing this is not for your glory. You allow your light to shine so that people can see it and, in the process, praise our Heavenly Father. Jesus is saying; I want your light to shine so brightly that it will outshine the others. And in the process, they will give credit to your Heavenly Father.

Application

How are you going to apply the lesson that you have learned on this blog?

Be involved where you work, where you study, and where you live. Note that for the salt to be useful, it must be in contact with the meat or fish that it needs to preserve.

Do not hide your conviction. The light must be visible for it to be effective.

Think About This

Remember your classmate who sits beside you with so much conviction against cheating. He didn’t hide. He tried to influence you by doing the same. And somehow, you were curious, and finally, you were able to connect the dots that he was a follower of Christ. He is doing it for the glory of God. Then you give your life to Jesus not because he is fluent with words, but you notice something different in his life.

How about your officemate who show so much integrity in his work. Or even your neighbor who is always ready to help. They didn’t hide. He tried to influence you by doing the same. And somehow, you were curious, and finally, you were able to connect the dots that he was a follower of Christ. He is doing it for the glory of God. Then you give your life to Jesus not because he is fluent with words, but you notice something different in his life.

In the same manner that you were influenced by someone’s life just because they live up to their identity as being salt and light. Do likewise. Be a preserver in your offices or your school. Let your light shines in the presence of your sphere of influence.

CREDITS/NOTES:
  1. Taken from the preaching of Redefined – Salt & Light. 
  2. Credits to Andy Stanley for the content reference.
  3. All verses are based on the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise stated.