Be the Salt and Light
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses vivid metaphors to describe the calling of his followers. He says:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)
Salt and light – these are powerful and essential elements that Jesus uses to illustrate the impact his disciples should have on the world around them.
Salt was an extremely valuable commodity in the ancient world. It was used as a preservative, a disinfectant, and to add flavor to food. When Jesus says “you are the salt of the earth”, he is calling his followers to be preserving and purifying agents in society. Just as salt prevents decay, followers of Christ should have a preserving influence that counters moral and spiritual corruption.
Salt also adds flavor and brings out the tastiness in food. Similarly, Christ’s disciples should make the world a better and more flavorful place through godly influence and good works. This of course assumes the salt maintains its saltiness – if it loses its distinct salty nature, it is worthless.
The light metaphor is one of illumination and visibility. Just as a city on a hill cannot be hidden at night, the good deeds of Christ’s followers should be evident for all to see. Their lives should brilliantly contrast with the darkness around them, revealing truth and exposing evil.
Lamps in those days didn’t have on/off switches – they were meant to be light sources that illuminated an entire home. Similarly, Jesus says to put our light on a lamp stand so that it gives light to everyone, not hide it under a basket. The world is stumbling in darkness and needs the illumination that comes from Christ’s light shining through his followers.
In these metaphors, Jesus makes it clear that his disciples are not called to blend in and be invisible. On the contrary, we are called to be distinct, to embrace our counter-cultural identities as salt and light. When we do, our lives will point others towards our heavenly Father – the source of all light, truth, and goodness.
Let your saltiness and light shine brightly today in all you say and do. Be preserving, purifying, flavorful influences on the world around you for the glory of God.