Being Salt and Light in a World that Needs Both

     Many years ago, while traveling with my parents, we stopped at a restaurant to catch a bite to eat.  My father reached for the salt shaker and went to shake it on his food.  Unfortunately, someone had left the lid of the shaker unscrewed and out came the entire contents on his food. Needless to say, he was not amused or pleased.  He did his best to scrape off what he was able to so he could eat his food.  Hard to know if this was a trick played by an ornery patron who had come before us thinking it would be funny or if the restaurant staff had not finished the job of replacing the cap properly.  However, we know that too much salt can ruin a good meal.

     Jesus spoke about salt and light in the context of our lives in His Sermon on the Mount.  This message was meant for believers both to exhort and direct their lives.  In Mathew 5:13-16, we read:  "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?  It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.  You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."  Thinking about both the elements of light and salt we have been entrusted by our Savior with an important call.

     When we think about salt, several uses come to mind.  Salt is a preservative.  In ancient times, it was used to preserve meats and foods that would easily spoil.  Salt is also used for flavoring our foods, but if used in excess, it can spoil the taste and
also raise blood pressure.   Often, we use salt to kill bacteria in our mouth if used for a rinse.  This is true after certain dental procedures.  Most importantly, we need salt in our bodies for balance of electrolytes, for our nervous system and muscle function.  With all these natural functions in mind, why did Jesus use this to refer to believers?

     As Christians, we are to add flavor to the world around us, to preserve it by speaking the truth in love.  My children will tell you that at times I may be a bit too salty in my approach to matters, but we live in a world that has moved far from the values and foundation in the Bible.  In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus clearly said that He did not come to abolish the Laws that God the Father had set down but to fulfill them.  We are called to do the same.  We are to walk according to the Word of God not changing or making excuses for it.  The question comes, "Can we lose our saltiness?"  I believe we can, and we must guard against this.

     If salt gets wet, it tends to break down and lose the effectiveness it had when dry. Likewise, diluting it by mixing it with another powdered substance can also reduce its effectiveness.   In the same manner, if we start absorbing ideas from the culture around us and make excuses for sinful behavior, we lose our spiritual saltiness.  We know people who profess Jesus with their mouth but their lives do not seem to bear any fruit of real repentance or change.  We are called to holy living which often exposes us to criticism and ridicule.  Though this may be tough to face, our Lord has called us to be the flavor and preservative in this world.

     Christ also calls us to be light.  This brings to mind our trip to Mammoth Cave.  We were taken down into the depths of the earth and the guide told us he was going to show us how dark it was in a cave.  When he turned out the lights, it was pitch black.  No one could see anything or anyone.  Then, he lit a match.  That one little match pierced the darkness, and we could see again.  This is what we are to be in the world filled with spiritual darkness.  People are blinded to the truth and are stumbling their way through life.  However, we can bring the light of hope to them through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We were not redeemed to hide away.  We were brought to salvation to shine our light in this world so that men may find their way to God and give Him the glory.  Like the sign on the back of many trucks, "How are we doing?"

     At this moment in history, there is a great deal of turmoil, unrest, and dissension.  We are called to stand on the firm foundation of God's Word without wavering in our daily walk, our voting, in our conversation.  Just as Jesus was not popular when He walked on earth, we have been told we will not be either.  Salt stings sin and light pushes out the darkness and both will fight back.  Yet our Savior would remind us not to let our hearts be troubled for He has overcome this world, and we, too, will also overcome in His power and strength.  Let us go forth boldly, then, to be the salt and light that men may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.  Selah!