Matthew 5:13-16 (NRSV)
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.14 “You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Jesus teaches that we are to be the salt of the earth, flavor-enriching, life-sustaining, and preserving. Salt is not only a flavor enhancer and food preserver, but it is necessary to sustain life. Without salt, we physically die. We are, then, to preserve, sustain, and add to/highlight the pleasant flavor of humanity on earth. On the other hand, Jesus says, if we lose our taste, we are “no longer good for anything.” Our lives must reflect the enrichment of God’s love and grace or we are not effective Christian witnesses in this world. If we are, as Jesus teaches, the salt of the earth, we are reaching out to others in love, offering our lives to God, and living our lives joyfully in Christ.
Jesus teaches that we are the “light of the world.” God gives us the light of love and faith in him. We are to let the love of God’s light in us shine for others to see. And through our shining lights of witness, our light of love toward others, God is glorified, Jesus is made present, and the fruits of the Spirit are visible for all to see.
Lord Jesus Christ, I yearn to be the salt and light of this world, glorifying you in all things. Use me, Lord, to love, flavor, preserve, and shine your glory on this earth. Amen.
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