Being Salt and Light

April 8, 2009 by Kelly.

We have a new addition to our church’s Welcome Center: The Eutycus Cafe. This is going to be a great way to show hospitality to our visitors who don’t get down to the gym for coffee and donuts between services! Our new cafe will be salt and light to our visitors.

I had always been a little unsure of what “salt and light” actually meant. Earlier this week I was reading in Matthew 5. Verse 13 talks about being the salt of the earth. Why would Jesus use this comparison for His followers? What is it about salt that fits the analogy so well?

Salt is a mineral, and it dissolves easily. If you’ve ever picked up a piece of salt, put it down, and then touched your fingers to your lips, you’ll taste the salt residue left behind. Salt also enhances the flavor of tastes. I believe these two features are what make salt the perfect analogy.

Jesus expects us to touch people’s lives, and leave a Christian residue. When you meet someone new, do they remember you the next day? Have you left a residue in their life that enhances their outlook? When your friends need something, do they think of you as being able to help?

Verses 14-16 talk about light. Light is different than salt. Whereas salt is an after effect, light precedes us and is seen from a distance. Do people see you from a distance, helping others, and think “there’s something about that person”? Do people you come into contact with at the store/bank/school see you as a person of integrity? When you are introduced to someone, do they say “I’ve heard good things about you”?

How bright is your light? Are you leaving a residue behind for Jesus? Reach out… be a light… learn… volunteer… be salt.

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