Vibrant Hope: The Role of Believers as Salt and Light in the World
Thursday 26/9/2024
Matthew 5:13–16 (NIV) 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.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uses the metaphors of salt and light to illustrate the influence and responsibility of His followers. These verses highlight the significance of visibly and effectively living out one’s faith in a manner that positively impacts the world. Salt was valuable in biblical times for preservation and flavouring. It symbolizes the believer’s role in preserving moral standards and adding flavour to life through good works. Light represents truth, guidance, and revelation. Believers are called to shine brightly, reflecting God’s glory and illuminating the path for others.
How can salt lose its taste, and how can light be put under a bowl?
Salt may lose its effectiveness when contaminated or diluted. For instance, if believers compromise their values or blend in with negative influences, they lose their distinctiveness and impact. As a wife, before the wedding, you were the best, but what have you become to the husband after entering the home? Light can be hidden when it is covered or not used for its intended purpose. For example, if Christians hide their beliefs or fail to act on their faith due to fear or societal pressure, they fail to fulfill their calling. An herbalist can never hide their work, nor can a shoemaker or an ogiri seller, etc.
How to maintain saltiness and light
- Maintaining Saltiness: Stay rooted in Scripture and prayer. Engage with fellow believers for accountability and encouragement. Actively resist worldly pressures that dilute faith.
- Maintaining Light: Live authentically by demonstrating good works. Share your faith boldly with others. Cultivate a relationship with God that fuels your passion to shine.
Application
Believers today can apply these verses by actively participating in their communities, standing up for justice, showing kindness, and openly sharing their faith. This can involve volunteering, advocating for those in need, or simply being a source of encouragement to friends and family.
Prayer Points
- For Boldness: Pray for courage to let your light shine brightly in a world that often discourages faith.
- For Purity: Ask God to help you maintain your “saltiness” and resist influences that would dilute your faith.
- For Guidance: Seek wisdom in how to effectively serve as salt and light in your community.
- For Opportunities: Pray for opportunities to share your faith through good deeds and actions that glorify God.
- For Impact: Ask God to use you as an instrument for change in the lives of those around you.
These points can help guide personal reflection and community discussions on how to live out the calling to be salt and light in today’s world.
By Pastor AK Mannah