Lessons from Matthew 5: Salt and Light
After he finished teaching character traits, Jesus insisted that Christians be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16).
Christians are called to be salt and light in a dark and dying world.
Why salt? Salt purifies, it preserves, it enhances flavor. It prevents decay, it puts out fires, and it helps to de-ice things that are frozen.
Salt is not really useful until it is removed from the salt shaker. So Christians must be in touch with others, but we must remain distinctive and not just fit in. Remember, a little bit of salt goes a long way! Too much salt can ruin any good dish!
How can we as Christians remain salty and of good use for the kingdom of God?
Practice what we preach and live by the standards of God’s Word and not the world.
Practice self-control, speak up when we are supposed to, and stand against things that are not right.
Be honest at work regarding our hours, office supplies, commitment to customers, etc.
Speak well of others and avoid gossip, whether at home, at work, and yes, even at church!
Appreciate and cooperate with everything of God we see around us.
Ask God to give us a deep interest in the people around us and ways to express it so that we can make life more interesting and draw others to God through our witness!
Verse 14 speaks of shining the light of Jesus Christ that is within us so that others may see it and find Him through us!
Light dispels darkness, it reveals hidden dangers, it exposes dirt (sin). Light enables people to see clearly. The older I get the more real that statement becomes.
Light defines the details and it is necessary for life and growth.
Matthew, our son, was born on May 14, 2000, which was a Sunday and it was Mother’s Day! And there in the hospital with my sister and my niece (Matthew’s biological mother), God delivered this little boy full of physical ailments and challenges.
God later gave us these as Matthew’s life-verses:
“You are the light of the world. A town built 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 others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew’s conception was not one people like to speak about and it usually does not bring about favorable results. But God showed me early on not to be afraid and not to worry or to hide what He had done in this terrible situation.
The fact that Matthew is all that he is brings glory to God, for the doctors can’t explain it! In fact they marvel at what he has become! They marvel at what they think we did. But it opens the way for me to share that this is God’s work and not mine!
I love to see God take tragic situations and turn them into His triumphs!
Now this is the good news that we share and the light that we shine so brightly! It’s His light living in us and through us, drawing others to Him!
In what ways are you like salt and light in your home? Business? Church? Community? What changes will you seek to make so that your life better resembles Christ’s?
Terri Hamman
Faith & Fitness Coach