SALT AND LIGHT IN A CHANGING CULTURE
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?... It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world… 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…”
Matthew 5:13-16 (NLT)
Years ago, a friend asked me to pray that she could find a new job. She was tired of working at her company and wanted to work for a Christian organization with other strong believers. She was surprised when I told her I’m not sure that’s what I should pray for. I asked whether she had considered that the Lord might have placed her exactly where He wanted her to be, not for her comfort, but for influence. That idea seemed to have never crossed her mind. She said it would be much easier to work with a group of Christians. I replied, Exactly. But where in Scripture does Jesus call us to an easy life? She was not pleased.
Most of us have heard sermons for years about being salt and light. We know the language. Salt preserves, slows decay and adds flavor. Light reveals truth and pushes back darkness. But exactly how does one do that? Jesus never called His followers to blend into the background. He called us to make a difference in a broken world.
Sadly, Jesus says some disciples will lose their saltiness and become useless. If we talk and act like the world, in person or online, then we can’t change the world; the world has changed us. And light that is hidden under a basket might exist, but it helps no one.
Throughout history, some Christians believed being salt and light meant attacking non-Christian culture and condemning people. Many of us have seen a street preacher shouting through a megaphone, holding a sign listing sins, and threatening hell. While these men may be sincere, we need to ask not only whether this is effective but also whether it is what Christ meant by being salt and light.
Jesus was clear. Let your good deeds shine out for all to see. Salt and light are not primarily about winning arguments. They are about visible acts of love, kindness, faithfulness, courage and truth in everyday life. That kind of light overcomes darkness.
APPLICATION: Think of one practical good thing you can do today for someone who needs grace more than judgment.
PRAYER: Lord, help me not seek an easy life, but a fruitful one. Give me awareness of all the opportunities around me to shine the light of Jesus in this dark world. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?