“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)
People influence each other. If we think back through our own lives we will remember many people who have touched us and had an impact on us that has lasted all the years since then. A speech teacher when I was a junior in high school, a friend during my first two years of college, a preacher at my home church, a small group of pastor-friends, and many others have made a difference in my life.
Jesus challenges us in this section of the Sermon on the Mount to deliberately and intentionally strive to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
Be salt to the people who are around you. Salt adds flavor to the food we use it on and is also used as a preservative to prolong the life of some foods. So, too, we have the opportunity to bring flavor into people’s lives, to make them better and their lives more meaningful through Christ. And by sharing Christ we have the opportunity to be involved in their eternal preservation!
Light exposes evil, protects us, and helps us see the next steps to take. So, too, we have the opportunity to be used by God in those ways in the lives of the people around us. Our lives have been lit by Him and He has asked for our help in bringing the light to others.
Remember and thank God for those who have made a difference in your own life. And think about how you can make a difference in the lives of others around you.
His, by Grace,
Steve
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