WE ARE SALT AND LIGHT

WE ARE SALT AND LIGHT!

Matt 5:13-16

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

           Two metaphors are used by the Lord to describe believers who must live in this world. The first is “salt” and we immediately understand that salt enhances flavor by making the food more palatable. Salt also is a preservative and we are reminded that we live in a decaying world. In some cases salt is also a healer, although it is never welcome when applied to the wound. 

In checking one commentary, I learn that the word salt, figuratively, is prudence. So we provide flavor to the tasteless; life to that which is decaying; and caution to those who are out of control. It’s important to remember that salt does not become salt through desire or labor. Salt is simply salt. It is part of inward nature.

           Light, on the other hand has an outward focus. Jesus, Himself, called it “good works” Light always enhances vision and always reveals things to be as they really are. Light never praises or promotes itself but that upon which it shines. Our good works should always “glorify” the Father. The word glorify is the Greek doxazo which means “to render glorious.”

Dear Lord, I can only be as salty as I truly am but let me shine my light so as to glorify you. AMEN