Tasty and Bright

Scripture:  Matthew 5:13-16

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:13–16 NLT)

Salt of the earth. Don’t people complain about unsalted food? Does anyone want the tasteless white of an egg? (Job 6:6 NLT). Salt makes food taste good! Salty popcorn, salty potato chips, salty bacon with your salted and peppered scrambled eggs, even birthday cake and chocolate chip cookies need a little salt! But it doesn’t take a lot of salt. A little salt seasons a big dish of food. When Jesus told his followers (and us) that we are the salt of the earth, he was talking about mixing in, getting involved, becoming part of the community without selling our souls to the system.

Light of the world. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT) Then he said, “You are the light of the world!” A city on a hill lights the way out of the dark valley. A lamp on a stand lights the house. Christ-followers doing the things Jesus said to do, loving God and loving people, light up a neighborhood, a workplace, a school, a city.

Let your good deeds shine out for all the world to see! This isn’t about religious practices, church attendance, Bible study, and prayer (all good things, all necessary).  This is about good deeds of compassion, caring, giving, and serving. We don’t have to advertise how much light we’re putting out there. A little light shines a long way.

Salt of the earth, light of the world. Being who we are, shining where we are, mixing in and doing things that actually help people! I need to do better on those things. How about you?

Prayer:

Father, It’s so simple, but it’s not so easy! Forgive me when I isolate myself and don’t mix in. Forgive me when my deeds are more religious and less helpful to my world. Forgive me when I’m more concerned about “my rights” and about “being right” than about loving people you love! I’m determined to do better! By your grace! Amen!