SALT AND LIGHT

MATTHEW 5:13-16 NKJ 
13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 
14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 

OBSERVATION: 

Chapters 5-7 are the famous sermon on the mount. Jesus shares some wonderful teaching in this message. 

One of the great truths He reveals is our position as believers and followers of Him. 

Speaking of His followers, are the salt of the earth. Salt was used in that day as a preservative. Without modern refrigeration, salt would be rubbed on meats to keep them from spoiling.   

In the same way, we who follow Jesus are a preservative in the earth. Only the Lord knows how much other people have been spared because His people were present.   

In the beginning of the great tribulation, when much of the salt of the earth is gone, things are going to be really rough.   

You are the light of the world. This is a truth we must grasp if we are to be effective in these last days. Our role as the church is to let our light shine. One of the ways we do that is by our good works. We should excel at out-gooding the world. Out-gooding is  my made-up word, but I am sticking with it. One of the main reasons we are to live differently is to show those in darkness what has been done in us.   

Jesus said how we live our lives is how we stay salty, and our light shines brightly. 

APPLICATION: 

Jesus was referring to our ability to live differently when He encouraged us to be salt and light. 

So many of us came to Christ as the result of someone whose light shined into the darkness we were living in.  

We don't always have to quote scripture. We don't have to point out where people are missing it and living wrong. We do have to be kind and gracious in a harsh world. Unselfish in a world consumed with self. Positive in a negative fear-filled world. Thankful in a world that has ceased to care.   

We all have a job to do. Be salt and light so that others may see our good works and glorify God.  

PRAYER: 

Thank You, Lord, that I have the capacity to be salt and light for You.