Be Salt and Light

Today's reading: <13> "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.<14>You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. <15> Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand and it gives light to all who are in the house." Matthew 5:13-15 (NKJV)

Salt has distinctive properties. First, it has flavor. When you eat your meals salt in moderation amplifies flavor. Yet, too much and it can really ruin a good dish. Also, it can make you sick if you have too much salt or it can raise your blood pressure. What am I saying here? I am saying that as salt you bring flavor to people's lives, but be gentle and in moderation, not imposingly. Secondly, salt is a preserver. In times past, salt was used to preserve meat and foods that spoiled. It kept things from rotting too quickly. As a believer in Christ, as salt, you are a preserver to those who are perishing. People who do not have a relationship with Jesus are dying. Without a relationship with Christ, one does not have the same hope in salvation that we have. As you encounter people, you will see the sin nature, but be salt through the love of Christ and be a preserver. Thirdly, salt is a cleanser. If you have ever scraped your knee or had a sore throat, salt in water cleanses a wound. Sometimes it stings. Often times people that are hurting don't want to be cleansed in such a way because they know it will sting. I think one who recognizes they are wounded will seek to find any means to stop the pain, and there are ones who have done everything else, and finally accept that what can make them cleansed will only hurt a moment. Salt is flavor, it is a preservative, and it is the cleansing nature of the truth of God's word which brings healing and an eternal perspective.

Light, also has distinctive properties. Light is bright, and through brightness reveals things. With light one can see things not previously seen. I am an avid fan of the CSI shows, and one thing for certain is the ultraviolet light (UV) always brings to the surface evidence committed in a crime. In the same way, light makes known our shortcomings and reveals evidence our fallen nature. Another property of light is warmth. Light from the sun gives off heat. Or, the heat from a campfire at night keeps one both warm, and generates luminosity.  If you think about it, light can do many things. Lastly, even though this can obviously go on infinitely, Light also provides clarity; it illuminates and helps one to see. I guess that is one reason I really like flash lights. They help me to see in the dark and keep me going where I ought to walk. The Bible says in Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." Not only do we need light in our own lives, but we need to be that light that reveals, warms and keeps away the darkness.


My prayer for today is: Jesus, help me to continue to be salt and light in people's lives. I know no one person is perfect and each are all at different points in their lives. Help me to be the light that reveals the truth in a person's heart and bring flavor through encouragement and your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the areas in which I have fallen short today, and help me to be cleansed by your love, your grace and tender mercies. In your name I pray, Amen.