You Are to be Salt and Light
Last week I led a Bible study with college students
examining how we are salt and light.
We've been looking at Matthew 5 - 7.
This section can be viewed like a handbook for leadership and
discipleship. This day we were
specifically looking at Matthew 5: 13-20 (NKJV).
Believers Are Salt and Light
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. 15Nor 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. 16Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your
Father in heaven.
Christ Fulfills the Law
17“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the
Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18For assuredly, I say to
you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means
pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19Whoever therefore breaks one of the
least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the
kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great
in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I say to you, that unless your righteousness
exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means
enter the kingdom of heaven.
The focus question for our time together was: What does it
mean for Jesus to commission you to be salt of the earth and light of the
world?
The Sermon of the Mount in Matthew 5 begins with Jesus
offering a series of blessings followed by a commissioning. Jesus leaves no ambiguity for his
followers. Jesus commissions them by
stating, “You are the salt of the earth. . . .You are the light of the world.”
As a master leader and teacher, Jesus uses common elements
of his day, salt and light, to illustrate His point. In Biblical times, salt was used to preserve food which
might otherwise rot and decay in the heat of the day. As a preservative, salt extended the length
of time for food to be edible. Salt was
a valuable commodity in part because of its quality of permanence. Pure salt does not lose its taste over
time. Salt remains salt. It is a needed element for a human body to
live.
Jesus also proclaims his followers to be light of the
world. There is no crash course for
becoming light. There is no manual to
read. It is by the grace of God a
follower of Jesus shines.
Some people prefer to be like salt, serving behind the
scenes. These salty followers of Christ
make an impact through their quiet means.
Other disciples of Jesus resonate with being light. Their impact is immediately detected. We each have a role to play. We don’t all have to have the same role or
responsibility.
In Romans 12: 6-8 (NIV) 6We have different gifts, according
to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in
accordance with your faith; 7if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching,
then teach; 8if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving,
then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show
mercy, do it cheerfully.
For me I find that I have been both and continue to be both
salt and light. I have had many times where I am salt in the lives of
others. In this space I work quietly to
enhance other’s experience by offering an encouraging word, being an accountability
partner, and praying for people in the privacy of personal space. Sometimes in these times my saltiness is
reserved, guided by the Holy Spirit to offer just enough. At other times my saltiness is more clear and
seen.
At other times I have found that I am the light. I have been guided by God into leadership and
teaching roles where I have need to be more “in front” in my work for God. I recall the experience of taking on a
leadership/ teaching role in an adult Bible study where the Pastor of the
Church we were attending asked the question in not so much an asking way. It was the best thing. Having that moment in light as light served
to bring me closer to Christ through the study in preparation for the sessions
that I would lead. At these times,
especially those where challenge by others will be present, I turn to God for
the strength, skills, or words I may need.
We are told in Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me.”
We are all commissioned to be salt and light. How do you serve as salt and/or light?
Say So – Israel Houghton
Prayer
Jesus, you call and
commission us to be the salt of the earth and light of the world. We can be
neither without you. Empower us to be your visible community in the world. Open
our mouths and lives so we might proclaim your wisdom revealed through Jesus
Christ Amen
