Salt and Light

PASSAGE FOR THE DAY:
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.

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:13-20, NIV)


REFLECTIONS:
Picture Jesus’ disciples gathered on the hillside. Jesus has recently called them from their fishing nets. After pronouncing the Beatitudes, he says to them, “You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world.” They probably wondered who he was talking about! They have only begun to follow him. No boot camp, no instruction manual, no on-the-job training—yet Jesus declares their worth and value to the whole world. 

Today we may call someone a “salty Christian” when he or she brings experience and determination to his or her call. Salty Christians flavor the soup of Christian community. They encourage the rest of us to sit up and take notice by challenging our complacency and reminding us to hang in there when things are tough. They are aware of their spiritual poverty and their eyes have been opened to the poison and pain of sin, so that their heart grieves over their own sin and the sins of others. They have a spirit of humility before others and God, their heart is open to the guidance of the Spirit, and they always seek to walk in submission to God's authority. Hungering and thirsting for righteousness, they have an intense desire to be right with God and man. This desire fills them with a willingness to show mercy, to pursue peace, and to bring others into the reconciled relationship with God.

“Light-bearing Christians” bring hope in darkness. They help us see God in places we couldn’t imagine. Rusty Brandon is one example from my life. He serves as the Director of Recreation and Outdoor Learning at Highland Lakes Camp. Despite the stress, strain, and long hours of work at Highland Lakes, he continually moves about with a smile on his face and an encouraging word on his lips. When many grow overwhelmed by the task at hand, he steps in a heavenly perspective and sense of humor that encourages his coworkers to rest in the Lord. Seeming to never lose sight of the church’s mission, he is constantly working to build relationships with his fellow believers and unbelievers alike—despite the fact that he has an incredibly busy schedule and a huge amount of responsibility.

Sometimes the salty Christians are also the light-bearers. The two are not mutually exclusive. 

Make notes of the qualities of each, then make your own list of “salty Christians” and “light-bearing Christians.” 

How do the qualities of salt and light add to the discussion of a new kind of righteousness? 

Finally, consider how you can grow in your saltiness and in your light-bearing capacity. 


PRAYER:
O God , when I am tired or discouraged and find it difficult to be your disciple, help me to remember the salty, light-bearing Christians in my life and, most of all, your hope in me. Amen.


WHO AM I?
I am Tres Sansom, and I am so thankful for the body of Christ! How wise, generous, and good is our God! Despite all our differences... despite all our peculiarities... despite all our unique personalities... He has knit our hearts together and made us one! As we share ourselves with one another, we all grow up in Christ and become mature in the Lord, "attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-16).