January 25, 2010
Salt and Light
Sharon Jaynes
Today's Truth:
"You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:12,13 NIV).
Friend To Friend
You are the salt of the earth.
Have you ever tasted potatoes without salt added? They are bland, blasé, and blah. Likewise, a world without Christians would be very unappealing.
Salt has three primary purposes. It preserves, heals, and gives flavor. As Christians, one of our privileges is to preserve what is right and good in the world in which we live. Satan is referred to as a roaring lion. He prowls around seeking to rip Judeo-Christian values from the government, public schools, entertainment industry, and the very fabric of life. Christians, on the other hand, serve to preserve the values of our godly heritage.
Salt is also an effective healing agent. Gargling with salt water helps heal a sore throat, swimming in a salty sea helps heal a skinned knee, and fellowshipping with "salty" Christians helps heal wounded souls by introducing them to spiritual, mental and physical wellness afforded them through a relationship with Jehovah Rapha - the One who heals.
The most common use of salt is to add flavor, and as Christians, we add flavor to our world. A gourmet cook once told me that salt not only gives food the salty flavor, but it also brings out the natural flavor of the food to which it is added. As Christians, we should bring out the best in other people as well.
You are the light of the world.
Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth." He also said, "You are the light of the world."
For eighteen years, I worked as a Dental Hygienist. Fourteen of those years I worked with my husband, Steve, and four to six other Christian women. When I think back on those days, I see our team as a chandelier of light: individual yet united to shine the light of Christ to our patients. In the reception room, Newsweek, Southern Living, and Better Homes and Gardens were mixed in with Focus on the Family, Guidepost, and Decision magazines.
Steve and his assistant volleyed ideas about various aspects of the Christian faith back and forth like a tennis ball over a net while they worked on patients. Talk about a captive audience! We prayed with patients, sent them books, and listened to their family problems. Someone once asked, "Aren't you afraid you'll offend someone and lose patients?"
"Someone might leave," I answered. "But a person can get into heaven with a cavity, but they can't get to heaven without knowing Christ."
In our own simple way, we were being light in a very dark world.
Think for a moment about what light does. It drives out darkness. Even the smallest birthday candle in a darkened coliseum will push the darkness aside. Jesus encourages Christians not to hide their light under a bushel, but to put it on a stand to be seen by all. Jesus said He was the light of the world. He has put that same light in you. It is part of your new identity.
Robert Louis Stevenson said, "When a happy man comes into a room, it is as if another candle has been lighted." How much more does a Christian who has something to be truly happy about light up a room!
Let's Pray
Dear Lord, I look around and see what the world would be like if all the Christian influences were removed. Help me to make a difference in my sphere of influence, bring the healing of Jesus Christ with those I come in contact, and encourage the best in others to surface. Help me be salt and light in the world.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
Now It's Your Turn
What do you think this verse means? "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 by men" (Matthew 5:13).
What do you think this verse means? "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 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" (Matthew 5:14,15).
I'd love to hear your answers. Click on www.facebook.com/sharonjaynes or my blog at www.sharonjaynes.com/blog and let's chat.
Think of one way that you and your family can be salt and light in the world today.
Try sprinkling a little salt by giving words of encouragement to at least five people today.
More From The Girlfriends
I don't know about you, but I want to be a salty Christian! If you would like to learn more about your role as salt and light in the world, you'll want to check out Becoming Spiritually Beautiful - Seeing Yourself Through God's Eyes. (This book by Sharon Jaynes was previously titled Experience the Ultimate Makeover). It's sure to make you thirsty for more of the only One who can quench your thirst!
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Originally published Monday, 25 January 2010.
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