Salt and Light

Matthew 5:13-16 – Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

SALT

Many have referred to salt as a cleansing agent or a preservative. When looking at the Greek translation for ‘lose his savor’ in Matthew 5:13, it is to make flat and tasteless, to be foolish, to act foolishly or act as a simpleton.¹ The opposite of a fool is a sage or wise man. From this translation, being the salt of the earth is being the wisdom of the earth, godly wisdom and character.

As Christ’s ambassadors in the world (2 Corinthians 5:20), we are the agents for proclaiming and displaying God’s love and message. Jesus says if we lose our savour, we’re no longer good for anything. You’re only good enough to be cast out and trampled under the feet of men. The impact of your knowledge, testimony, and reputation as a believer of Jesus will be destroyed and constantly in question. You will not be good for any other purpose.

LIGHT

Jesus’ disciples are the light of the world. He compares their actions to a city on a hill and how it cannot be hid. He even relates them to a candle which is lit and placed on a candlestick to give light to all in the house.

The light you shine before men is for both close, intimate settings and in wide audiences. The city can be seen from miles away, day or night. Men that light a candle give light to those in the house. This light benefits those closest to you, friends and family. As you share your light with the world, do not forget that your light is also for those closest to you in your home. Never forget the impact your life and testimony can make on your friends and family.

Your light (life) is to shine upon all near and far. Your light should shine in such a way that when others see your good works (relative to being a child of God/disciple), they will glorify your Father in heaven.

^{1 – Blue Letter Bible. “Dictionary and Word Search for mōrainō (Strong’s 3471)“. Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2013. 29 Mar 2013. http:// www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm? strongs=G3471}

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