You Are to Be Salt and Light

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