We Are The Salt and The Light

Commentary By:  Gordon King

Christians are the salt and light of the earth.  This is what Jesus tells us in the “Beatitudes”.

Matthew 5  (KJV)  The Beatitudes

“Salt and Light”

¹³ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

¹⁴ Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

¹⁵ Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Jesus tells us that we are the “salt and light” of the earth.  What does he mean by this?

First let’s get a definition of the terms.  From the “FreeDictionary.com”:

“Salt”

6. An element that gives flavor or “zest”.

“Zest”

1. invigorating or keen excitement or enjoyment  – a zest for living

“Light” 

9. Spiritual awareness; illumination.

10.   a. Something that provides information or clarification: threw some light on the question.

         b. A state of awareness or understanding, especially as derived from a particular source:

              in the light of experience.

              

11. Public attention; general knowledge: brought the scandal to light.

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What Jesus is telling us by “salt” is that he wants us to use our good works and knowledge of the Lord to help others.  To spread the word of God to the unsaved world with zest.  To live righteously as he did.  Without salt food is bland, tasteless and boring.  If the salt you use to season your food with has lost it’s “saltiness” then what good is it?  None!  In the same way, if we as Christians loose our zest to spread the word of God, to help others in need and live a righteous life, what good are we for God?  Not much.

What Jesus is telling us by “light” is that he wants us to show the unsaved world our good works in order to glorify God.  We are to let our good morals and values be shown to the world.  To show them that our God is a God of love, kindness, mercy, forgiveness, helpfulness and grace.  We need to show them that by accepting Jesus as their Lord and Savior, they too can know the righteousness of our wonderful God.

I also believe that there is more to “shining our light” in the world than what I have just mentioned.  By shining our light in the darkness, we are exposing the evil that surrounds us.  We are uncovering the sin that permeates our society.  God is all powerful and almighty.  He has power over everything and everyone, including evil spirits.

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Matthew 10:26-27

²⁶ Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

²⁷ What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

John 3:18-21  (KJV)

¹⁸ He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

¹⁹ And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

²⁰ For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

 People who sin and do evil deeds are hiding in the darkness.  They do not like the light because they are afraid that they will be exposed.  When they are hiding in the dark they cannot be seen.  When people sin they prefer to keep it hidden from others.  Although times are changing and much evil is being performed in the light.  That is because evil people and spirits are changing the perceptions of society.  They are deceiving us into believing that “good is evil” and that “evil is good”.  The prophet Isaiah predicted that it would happen.

Isaiah 5:20  (KJV)

²⁰ Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

 Ephesians 5:15-17  (KJV)

¹⁵ See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

¹⁶ Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

¹⁷ Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Therefore, “good = light”, and “evil = darkness”.   For the righteous and holy prefer the light, because they desire to show their works to the world.  They have nothing to hide.  On the other hand, the evil / sinners prefer the darkness, because they wish to hide their sin from the world.  We all sin, but the difference is repentance and faith in God.  If you are in a very dark room you cannot see what’s in the room or tell exactly what’s happening in the room.  If you are in a room filled with lights, then you can see what’s in and happening in the room.  As Christians and followers of Jesus Christ, we are to shine our light in the darkness of the world, thereby exposing what is evil.  It is our responsibility to uncover the evil in the world and to expose it to others.  To spread truth, love and light.

Ephesians 5:11  (KJV)

¹¹ And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

1 Timothy 5:20  (KJV)

²⁰ Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

2 Timothy 4:2  (KJV)

² Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.

God is with us, he has given us his Word.  His promise is to never leave us nor forsake us.  Do you believe it?  I do.  God is living in us and through us as Christians.  He is all powerful, almighty and has already defeated Satan and his demonic spirits.  What then shall we fear?  We must be strong, courageous and willing to take a leap of faith for the God that we now serve.  The time is short.  Jesus is returning soon for his church.  The evil that surrounds us is only going to get worse.  Much, much worse.  You can see it, feel it and breathe it.  We must shine our light and salt in the world, for it is dark and unsavory.  We must expose the evil on the earth for what it is.  Let the unsaved know the truth and see the light, taste the salt.

I pray for the wisdom and courage of God to fill your souls, strengthen your spirits and faith.  May God bless you, keep you strong and fill you with his knowledge of the truth.  Amen

God Bless!  🙂

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