THE INFLUENCE OF SALT AND LIGHT

THE INFLUENCE OF SALT AND LIGHT

“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. “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 5:13-16

Influence is a big thing in our culture today. Influencers have become an integral part of the online space, creating communities, working with brands to showcase products, and forming human connections online. These digital celebrities can shape our everyday norms, from shopping habits to trends to beliefs to lifestyles.

God expects us to be influencers in our own way. Does that mean we should start recording TikTok videos to showcase our Christianity?  Not necessarily. It does mean, however, that we are intentional about serving and being loving, kind, forgiving, and patient.  And if we are intentional and consistent, people will take note.

Jesus opened His Sermon on the Mount with a series of countercultural beatitudes in His day and remains so in ours. The assigned roles of salt and light show that Jesus wants His followers to be people of character who rightly influence the world.

We don’t always fully grasp the things that Jesus said. And this seemingly random pairing of salt and light is no exception. So why the two things—salt and light? Well, both serve a singular primary purpose. Salt serves the purpose of taste, and light serves the primary purpose of seeing. The point is that when salt has no taste and light can’t be seen, they are worthless and influences nothing.

But as followers of Jesus, we’re supposed to be different in all the ways He was different. His words were humble, engaging, substantial, and timelessly true. Two thousand years later, they haven’t lost their flavor. And His qualities still shine like the sun. People are drawn to Him just like we’re drawn out of darkness by light. He loved people, prayed for those who persecuted Him, and ultimately died for those who mistreated Him. He was joy-filled because He knew what lay beyond the moment.

Jesus tells His followers they are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” This means that Christians should help make the world a better place. Just like salt adds flavor to food and keeps it from spoiling, Christians are meant to be a positive influence, improving their communities and showing others kindness and love.

You don’t have to be famous, wealthy or successful. You don’t need an impressive degree or many followers on social media. A specific age, nationality, or personality is not a requirement, and your job, location, or marital status does not limit you. We have the power to be salt and light and positively influence others.

Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways have you allowed yourself to become less salty? In what ways have you hidden your light under a basket?
2. Can you think of one way or one specific person to whom you can be flavorful and light-giving today?