I am salt and light.

Because I believe Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, I am considered salt and light in the world. I love the children’s song. “This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine.” It innocently speaks of how Jesus wants us to shine for Him. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke plainly of qualities true believers and followers of Him would possess. “You are the salt of the earth.” “You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:13,14. He went on to explain that salt that loses it’s saltiness and a light that does not shine are worthless.

So how are we to be ‘salty’ in the world. Salt has many uses. It is used to preserve, heal, make tasty, and clean up. As Christians we are to keep Jesus where the world can see Him, in our lives. We are to heal the world by telling them about Him. We are to add flavor- purity, honor, integrity and justice to the world to show them who God is. And, we are to be abrasive, causing a rub with the sin and evil of the world so they will remember God and be pointed to Jesus.

Likewise, we are to be light where ever we are placed. Jesus said we are not to hide our light, His light in our lives, but we are to light up the world. He wants us to shine so the world will see our good deeds and praise our Father in heaven. Light also had many uses- it dispels darkness, allows us to see where we are going and where we have been, it is warm and comforting. Your presence is a reminder to the world of Christ. His light overcomes evil and darkness. His light guides us and shows us His way in the Word. Light brings warmth and goodness to the world in His name. Jesus said in John 8:12. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Jesus wants us to show others His light as He lights up our lives.

I love thinking about the qualities of light and salt and reflecting how Jesus wants us to act in this world. Without Jesus showing himself in and through our lives, the world would be a dark and tasteless place. Where do you need to be salt and light today?

Prayer: Thank you Jesus for giving me worth and purpose in the world. Show me where you want me to be salt and light. Use me to bring others to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.