13“Your lives are like salt among the people. But if you, like salt, become bland, how can your ‘saltiness’ be restored? Flavorless salt is good for nothing and will be thrown out and trampled on by others.
14“Your lives light up the world. For how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? 15And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light. 16So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.”
Fulfillment of the Law
17“If you think I’ve come to set aside the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets, you’re mistaken. I have come to bring to perfection all that has been written. 18Indeed, I assure you, as long as heaven and earth endure, not even the smallest detail of the Law will be done away with until its purpose is complete. 19So whoever violates even the least important of the commandments, and teaches others to do so, will be called least in heaven’s kingdom. But whoever obeys them and teaches their truths to others will be called great in heaven’s kingdom. 20For I tell you, unless your lives are more pure and full of integrity than the religious scholars and the Pharisees, you will never enter heaven’s kingdom.”
Who are you? When you introduce yourself to someone, what do you usually say? The typical answer is to give your name or share about your family. Often, we end up talking about our jobs or how we spend our time. Have you ever answered this question by saying, "I'm the salt of the earth," or "I'm the light of the world?" Yeah, me either.
And yet, we are. Jesus says so right there in this passage. You're the salt of the earth and the light of the world. So, what exactly does that mean? I'm so glad you asked! It means you are to flavor and light up the world. Your life, actions, and words should reveal God so others can see Jesus in their lives through you.
You are to light up the dark places. You're to flavor the world, you know, add a little spice. Psalm 34:8 says we're to taste and see that the Lord is good. Taste and see...salt and light.
Imagine God with a huge saltshaker full of love, forgiveness, mercy, and grace and He dumped a bunch of it into your hands, You could keep it all to yourself, but eventually, it will lose its flavor and be worthless. Or, you can sprinkle it wherever you go. If you know someone who's struggling, sprinkle some love. If you encounter somebody who's lost, sprinkle a little mercy. Someone needs a little goodness, sprinkle away.
Now it's time to illuminate. Light is meant to shine not be hidden. Why would you turn on a lamp and then cover it with a dark blanket? If you have a flashlight and someone needs it, share it! Don't keep it from them. If you know someone who's walking in the dark right now, light up their path,
You may be wondering, "How do I do that." You're totally nailing it with the questions today! There are probably as many ways to sprinkle salt and turn on lamps as there are people. It will look different depending on the circumstances. It could be interacting with someone you normally wouldn't and affirming their worth as a child of god. Maybe it's being generous with your time nad money. It could be helping create an environment where equality, diversity, and dignity are the norm. Maybe it's as simple as slowing down to really listen.
Bottom line. Love God. Love people. Practice and then repeat...over and over and over. Now, I'd like to ask you a question. Who are you?
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