Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13-14

¹³ “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 underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ 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. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

I can’t even really remember how many times I have taught on this passage out of the Bible over the years, but what amazed me was the most basic point but possibly the most important out of the passage.

There is nothing that exciting really about salt and light except that they are both predominantly and incredible practical. Most of the time I don’t even notice the light and the only time it becomes important is when I want to see and it is getting dark. I very rarely can remember tasting salt and don’t notice that it is in almost all of our meals, but you sure notice if it is missing and it should be there.

So what is the big point?

As a Christian, I should be incredibly practical; I should be involved, connected, engaging my world, making a difference and influencing, but most of the time I may be barely noticed. But I am there because I am salt and light and if I wasn’t there then people would really notice.

You are salt and light, nothing fancy, but the difference you make can and should never be underestimated. If you were not there then people may never see the message of Christ in action, their world would be a lot darker and a lot blander – so I am so grateful that you, like me are called to be salt and light – go on, get out there and shine!

Influence

Influence

It's what's on the inside that counts

Influence is about being a compelling force:

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure (the divine light of the Gospel) in jars of clay (frail human vessels of earth) to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

The label doesn't dictate the quality of the product - remember Jesus chose water jugs to present the best wine at the wedding.

God is looking for real people to make a real difference.

Are we busy persuading or influencing?

It's more than the truth you know, it's the truth you do & the life you live.

Passion can wane and zeal can be mocked at but authority has weight and demands an audience. We need to have the inner influence of Christ in our lives. Our message may be rejected but seeds of life are planted and a harvest is demanded.