Read Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus said we are to be the salt and light of the world.  On the surface that seems like a strange thing to say.

The light part is understandable. We are to be the “Light” in a world of darkness. How comforting is even a pinhole of light in a dark place. To people whose lives are surrounded with only darkness, we are called to be their light, their comfort and their guide out of the darkness and into the light of the love of Jesus.  We shouldn’t be ashamed, or embarrassed, but bold and confident in His love. We are to let Jesus shine through us, and not let evil of the world discourage us from doing good.

The salt part of today’s scripture is a little harder to understand. Isn’t salt what the doctors tell us to avoid?  That’s the stuff we throw on our driveways in a snow storm. How can Jesus call us the salt of the world?

Almost every good recipe calls for at least a “pinch” of salt. What is so important about salt?

According to Google, “the function of salt in recipes is to enhance the flavor of the other ingredients.  Furthermore, in low concentrations it will reduce bitterness and will increase sweetness. It makes food “sing” by suppressing bitterness, enhancing sweet and savory, and turning up the volumes on the aromas.  Without salt food would taste bland.

We are to not only spice up our own lives but enhance the talents and skills of those around us.  We are to encourage others to discover their God given talents and to use them to brighten their own lives and those around them. We are to reduce bitterness and look for and increase the sweetness of life!

Jesus is telling us to get out of ourselves and invest in the lives of others and put them first! Invest in THEIR lives, look for the good in them, and help them to know how to use that for the kingdom of God.

How am I supposed to be salt and light? 

How much time does it take to send a text of encouragement?  What does it cost you to say a prayer? If you don’t pray for them, who will?  A helping hand or a listening ear can make a world of difference in the lives of hurting people. According to Jesus “…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 underfoot.”

Will you ask God to show you ways to be salt and light today? The cost of inaction is too high!

Pat Arnold