“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:13-16
Why would Jesus compare us, as Christians, to salt and light? Let’s look at this a little further. Salt does one major thing... it gives flavor, or enhances the flavor of food. It brings out the best in foods if used correctly. The only way salt loses its saltiness is if it’s diluted or watered down. If we apply this to us, it should make us stop and think. We should bring out the best wherever we go. We should add flavor... I’ll say joy and goodness, to everyone around us. Salt makes everything it touches different. We are to add that wonderful difference to everything we touch. We should be kind. It is hard to just find kindness anymore. When others may be returning insults with more insults, we should be peace makers and show patience and self-control. When others are looking out for number one, we should put the needs of others above ourselves. When the world seems to demand its own way, we are called to serve. When others may be tearing down, we should be in the business of building up! Can we do this alone? No. We need the power of the Holy Spirit in us to be this through us. We can’t get diluted by our culture and the world‘s way of doing things. We can’t get watered down by our own selfish desires. Otherwise, we are no different and really of little use for the kingdom.
What about light? What does it do? It illuminates and causes us to see! It reveals the truth of what is there. it brings out the color and beauty around it. In a dark world, we should be light! We can’t hide our light and be part of the darkness. If we do that, again, we aren’t really being any different. We aren’t showing the way to Jesus. We aren’t lighting the path or helping to share the truth in love to a lost world! We aren’t offering the hope of Christ! We can’t cover up our light! It’s time to shine bright! Now is the time! Reflect His light, bright and true! The spotlight shouldn’t be on us! We are the light; a reflection of His light.
Christian, stay salty! Stay bright! We can do this by staying close to His light. Soaking up His words. Living in that close relationship with Him! Be so close to Him that others see Him in you ! Don’t be diluted or let your light grow dim! True “salt and light” should be full of flavor, and an illumination to the goodness of God! 2021 is upon us friends! Many people around you each and everyday need to see and taste hope, love and forgiveness! Stay salty and bright! This world needs it!
Kommentare