‘You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.’ Matthew 5:13–14 NKJV

Jesus gave us two everyday examples so that we could clearly understand how He wants us to serve and represent Him each day. Let’s look at each of them.

(1) Salt. The only thing that can threaten salt is sitting in a shaker so long that it gets damp, loses its flavour, and can’t be sprinkled. Jesus said, ‘“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.’ (Matthew 5:13 NKJV) The word ‘flavour’ means ‘to enrich’. It’s not enough to enjoy good preaching and rich insights from your Bible reading; you’re called to share and sprinkle them on others.

(2) Light. Instead of isolating yourself from the world, you’re supposed to illuminate it. Darkness is not a threat to light; it’s where the light does its best work. Jesus said: ‘You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.’ (Matthew 5:14–16 NKJV) The word Gospel means ‘the good news’. In a world of increasing despair, you are called to bring the light of the Gospel to those living in spiritual darkness. So, the word for today is—be salt and light.

SoulFood: Jer 49–50, Matt 1:1–6, Ps 50:16–23, Pro 10:11–13

The Word for Today is authored by Bob and Debby Gass and published under licence from UCB International Copyright ©