We continue our series on the commands of Jesus Christ.
This week, we come to a command that defines our role in the world, the command to be salt and light. In Matthew 5:13–14, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”
Notice that Jesus did not say, “You should become salt and light.” He said, “You are.”
This is not a suggestion. It is a declaration and a command. If you belong to Christ, you are salt and light. The question is not whether you are, but whether you are functioning as you should.
First, salt preserves and gives flavors.
In the ancient world, salt had two primary purposes. It preserved food from decay, and it added flavor to food that would otherwise be bland.
Jesus said His disciples are the salt of the earth. This means we are called to be a preserving influence in a decaying world.
But salt that has lost its saltiness is useless. It cannot preserve.
It cannot flavor. Jesus said it is thrown out and trampled underfoot.
This is a warning. If we blend in with the world, if we compromise our values, if we lose our distinctiveness, we become useless to the kingdom of God.
We must not lose our saltiness. We must remain distinct. We must remain faithful.
Second, light reveals and guides.
Jesus said, “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” (Matthew 5:14–15).
Light reveals what is hidden. It exposes darkness. It shows the way. And Jesus says we are that light.
But we must not hide our light. We must not be silent about our faith. We must not live as if we are ashamed of the gospel.
Our good deeds must be visible. People should see something different in us. And when they do, they should not praise us. They should praise our Father in heaven.
Being salt and light is our identity in Christ. Let us live out this identity. | NWI
