We’re to be Salt and Light to the World
We have an important role to play in preserving our culture. In Matthew 5 Jesus tells us to be Salt and Light.
“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 by men. You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-19
What does it mean to be salt and light? In the time of Christ salt had equal trading value as gold. It was important to the culture and even used as payment for a salary. Today when someone says you aren’t worth your salt, they are referring back to a time when salt was extremely cherished. Salt left in the shaker is valueless. For it to have value it must be poured out of its container and used as intended.
So it is with a committed Christian. We are priceless to our culture and need to preserve people from the tyranny of sin. You and only you can be the salt of the earth. The purpose of the believer is to get out of our holy huddles and enter our culture with a loving, caring and compassionate heart until others ask “why?”
Light has its value for guiding people out of darkness and comforting them in times of need. A flashlight only works if it has good fresh batteries from which to draw energy. So it is with a true disciple, until we are daily filled with power of God’s spirit and word we cannot be useful for Kingdom work.
Change must occur one life at a time. We need to engage our culture. Be light and salt where you live. Think about some of the Biblical characters and how they changed their environments: Daniel changed the life of Nebuchadnezzar and the empire he ruled; Nehemiah rallied the Israelites to rebuild a wall that inspired Ezra to lead a revival; and Jonah’s life and commitment impacted Assyria. The prophet Jeremiah reminds us that fighting for righteousness and a godly character is always right.
The Power of Truth:
- “This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:1-7
- “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15
Suggestion for Prayer:
Ask God to give you opportunities where you can share your faith and the hope that is within you today. Without the influence committed Christians, our nation will collapse just as the great Roman Empire. Please remember, righteous attitudes and actions do make a difference! A disciple of Jesus Christ believes we should build bridges to our culture so that we can show them God’s love.