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As Christians, we matter.
How much? More than we give ourselves credit for. For a comparison, take a meal and add no salt. Don’t put salt on the table, either. Consume the meal with no salt and see how well it goes down. The taste will be bland and the food uninteresting.
Or try this: Walk through your home at night with the lights off. Every light, even the glowing chargers and nightlights. How well can you see? It’s only a matter of time until you bump into something and get injured.
Matthew 5:13-16 reminds us of our importance:
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
The passage goes on to say:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Now let’s break down Jesus’ words and see the deeper meaning.
“You are the salt of the earth…”
As Christians, we are the preservative of what’s right and good. We maintain the standards of holiness. We keep the world from spiraling into the morass of sin.
“If salt has lost its taste… it is no longer good for anything…”
If Christians no longer abide by the standards of the Word, we are of no use to God or man.
“You are the light of the world…”
We reflect the majesty of Jesus unto the unbeliever. It is through us that the world understands the love of Christ.
“Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but… let your light shine before others…”
If the people around us are surprised when they learn we’re Christians, we’re not doing it right. Christ needs to be visible in every part of our lives, from our home to our work to our recreation. The Master needs to be part of every part of who we are.
How do people discover Christ in us? Through our salt and light. How? Our salt and light are seen when we mow our neighbor’s grass, invite the unchurched to our pool party, greet the family who keep their stereo going late into the night, and show kindness to people who haven’t earned it.
“That they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
It’s what Jesus would do. It’s what he expects us to do.
The world needs our salt and light to make life worthwhile. Our source is Jesus. The benefit is outstanding.
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