Salt and light

[Matthew 5:13-16; Luke 14:34-35]

Israel Houghton says in his song “Identity,” “One of the things plaguing our generation is people trying to figure out who they are. … We bear the name of our Father, and in Him we find our identity.”

That’s what comes to mind when I read this passage. We sing songs declaring Jesus to be the light of the world, which He was, but He calls us the light in verse 14. What an honor, a privilege, and responsibility. It is crucial in this world to know who we are, and to Whom we belong. When we forget who we are in Christ, we lose sight of our purpose. Many women lose their identity because they take on the attributes that others notice. We must remember that only God has the perfect perspective. He is so far above us that He cannot be slighted or biased. At the same time, He knows us so intimately that He can say with confidence who we are.

So look into the mirror today and tell yourself, “I am the salt of the earth. I am the light of the world. I am who Jesus says I am.”

It might be a little difficult if you do not understand what Jesus means by this. In his book Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis offers that salt and light share the purpose of exposing other tastes/sights. Someone who has never tasted salt before would not believe us that it can be used to bring out the flavors in other foods. They would think it much too strong. Similarly, a world in darkness, having seen light for the first time, would not believe that through it we can see other things. They would figure that its effect would be too blinding. But we know the truth, because have been exposed to salt and light. And if the world were to be exposed to our salt, to our light, then they too would know the truth. We, in doing what we were innately created to do, draw others to Christ.

If we forget our purpose, then we are “good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” But if we complete our purpose, then our works will shine before men, and they will see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. This is not a time to sit idly and wait for just one chance to honor God. Every second given to us is a gift from God, and an opportunity to praise God through our works and to testify to the world. Do not waste time on wondering who you are. You are the salt. You are the light. Ask God to show you how to be used for His glory.

God bless,

Alisha