You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.

As a part of his Sermon on the Mount Jesus tells his followers – you are salt & you are light! I have always loved the visual imagery Jesus gives us of our purpose.  Salt & light.

Think about that for a moment…salt and light…both are essential elements for the sustaining of life.  Salt is used for medicinal purposes, for preservation, and also as a part of our healthy diet.  Light is necessary for things to grow and for keeping us safe and out of dark places.  What does it mean for us, as followers of Jesus, to be salt & light?

I have to admit, some of us are naturally salty and sometimes we come across a little abrasive.  While others of us are bright and shiny and honestly a little too much to handle early in the morning.  And then there are those in between: salty enough to add flavor, bright enough to bring joy.  How do you see yourself?  But, I still wonder what does it really mean to live of the salt of the earth and the light of the world.  I love how the Message translates this passage…

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!  Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Seasoning, bringing out the God-flavors of this earth!  Light-bearers, bring out the God-colors in the world!  Wow!  That is a mighty purpose each of us have been given.  A grand task that we are equipped to accomplish.  We are called to be both salt & light!  So, here are my questions for us to ponder… What is the difference you are making for Jesus in the lives of those you encounter? How are you being salt?  How are you being light?  Friends, may we together, find ways to add flavor and illuminate our world!

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

“You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth…
You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.” (Matt 5:13, 14 MSG)