What Does it Mean To Be Salt & Light

Jesus tells Christians that we are the salt and light of the world in Matthew 5:13-16, but what does this mean? We’ll explore the deeper meaning behind this…

Let’s start with salt

Salt has many properties and benefits for cooking. Let’s take a look at three.

• Salt enhances flavor and color
• Salt helps preserve and cleans 
• Salt is a binder 

Salt in Jesus’ time was an integral part of life. It helped preserve foods, clean, heal, and enhance food flavors. Today it’s popular not only in food but in beauty products. 

How does this apply to being a Christian?

Salt as an enhancer means that we leave people and situations better than we found them. We bring out the best in people to help them reach their potential. We encourage their faith and their strengths to fulfill their calling.

Salt as a preservative and purifier means that we help prevent bacteria from growing in their souls. No one is perfect but we are all striving to be better people (or at least should be). One of our responsibilities as Christians is to discover things in our lives that could keep us from reaching our potential. 

Sidestepping and juking away from potential hazards will keep us from heartache and misery. We know God wants us to enjoy our lives and be protected from unnecessary consequences. As Christians, we help others do the same.

Salt as a binder has a similar meaning as being an enhancer. The main difference is that as a binder, we help people’s faith grow even stronger and tighter with God. Not only do we encourage, but we also push them to take action. To grow closer in their walk with the Lord. 

We also help them to understand that in EVERYTHING we do, we do as we are doing it unto the Lord, not just for other people. So we have higher standards and give our absolute best. See Colossians 3:23-24.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” Jesus doesn’t want us to lose our flavor, aka our perseverance, to keep striving after Him. So stay salty my friends!

What does “you are the light of the world” mean?

Being a light means that we don’t hide or shy away from an opportunity to speak life into others. True life comes from the Lord. We don’t have to preach at others who don’t know Christ. We certainly don’t want to throw shade at them either and act condemning.

As true Christ-followers, people will notice that we are happier and more positive in situations. We are more gracious and forgiving when most people wouldn’t be. We have a strength and peace that goes beyond the most intense hardships we’ve faced. 

All we have to do is live our lives in such a way that glorifies the Lord in everything we do. Even when we think no one is watching. Not to sound creepy but someone is always watching how we respond in real life and what we post on social media. Hidden things will always come out.

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16

Bottom Line: Stay salty and bright!

Don’t think for one moment that what you do doesn’t make a difference. That’s what the enemy wants you to believe because lives hang in the balance. The balance of either spending eternity in hell or Heaven. 

We aren’t perfect but giving it our best and pointing others to Christ is the goal. Instead of being fake, we can be real about our past struggles and what got us through. People NEED to see the light in you and NEED your salt to bring out the best for their lives.

'Don’t let the enemy talk you out of God appointed opportunities- no matter how big or small they may be.' #alattehopeClick To Tweet

Your smile, your kind gesture, your forgiving response can make all the difference in the world. Don’t let the enemy talk you out of God appointed opportunities- no matter how big or small they may be. It will be rewarding for not only them but for you as well.

A Prayer For You

Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding us to not give up hope and not grow weary in doing good. Show us how to live our lives in such a way that glorifies You. Show us how to be salt and light in a hurting world. Help us to not miss out on opportunities because of distractions or doubt that the enemy tries to throw at us. We thank You that You care enough to be at work even in small ways in our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.

 

Stay hopeful!