salt
light
MATTHEW FIVE : THIRTEEN THROUGH SIXTEEN
APART
BE SET
MATTHEW 6:13-16
Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Salt Preserves
Before modern cooling techonology, humans used salt to preserve meats and other food over long periods of time.
Salt accomplishes this task of preservation by extracting the moisture and creating an environment where harmful bacteria and mold cannot survive.
Follower's of Jesus are called to be salt to the earth in the same way. Christians are to preserve the beauty and good in the world by living out the effect of the gospel and living in the example Christ modeled in His life.
Not only that, but just like salt and bacteria cannot co-exist, evil cannot be in the same environment as the presence of God. When Christ-followers have recieved salvation, are being transformed by the Holy Spirit, and live according to the Word, the presence of God in them pushes back darkness and evil in the world around them.
It cleans out.
Salt Enhances
Not only does salt work to preserve foods, but it also works to enchance the flavor of different kinds of foods, still to this day.
Salt accomplishes this because of the sodium ions contained within it. The sodium ions draw out the existing qualities in the food, which causes your brain to perceive the natural flavors of the food more intensely.
If we are in Christ, we have authority and power by the Holy Spirit who is actively working in us. So then, in the same way, when we are faithful to follow the example Christ gave us for life in Godliness, it brings supernatural peace, comfort, and stability to the chaos of the world around us. It does not mean life will be easier and prosperous, but that in every circumstance, great or hard, our experience will be enhanced with joy and the world without it will notice the difference.
It stands out.
Light is Visible
It draws in
Light Illuminates
It moves in.