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"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."- Matt 5:16

In the ancient world salt had two main purpose. First, salt was used to preserve. In a world without our modern technology, the ancients used salt as a preservative to help keep food. Secondly, salt was used to enhance. This is a little more common to us in 2025, (perhaps a little too common!). Salt was, and is, used to enhance the flavor of whatever substance it was added to.

In Jesus's Sermon on the Mount, he called His disciples and those that have traveled far to hear Him preach, be healed by Him, and witness His power to be "the salt of the earth." (Matt 5:13) Think about it; Jesus is using an ancient metaphor to say that those there, and extending to us, that we are to preserve the elements of what has been given to us, the gospel, and to enhance the world around us. What a high calling!

Likewise, Jesus tells them, "you are the light of the world." (Matt 5:14) Two things that are important about light: 1) Light always brings clarity to darkness. In a dark world, as we and those we love go through dark circumstances, shining the light of Jesus into the world is our call to bring the clarity of the gospel and Jesus's Word to those around us. To speak clarity, show dignity and love, and share the life of Christ with those around us, we can shine a bright light in a dark world. 2) Light doesn't bring attention to itself, but to something greater. Think about how light functions on a basic level; it does not shine a light unto itself, but light shines and brings attention to something greater. In the same way, we are called to function as light. As we reflect the light of Jesus, we shine His love, patience, perseverance, and surrender into a dark world. Therefore, bringing attention to Him, and not to us. That is why Jesus says, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Know this today: Being the salt of the earth and the light of the world, does not mean that we are the source of salt and light, only that we reflect His. It does not mean that we have to try and be something we are not. We don't have to hold a certain role or position, or have specific outgoing personalities to be salt and light. Jesus calls you and I to be salt and light right where He has positioned you. Maybe its in the midst of grief. Maybe its in the sea of challenges; relationally, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. Perhaps, everything is going your way. In all things, shine His light, reflect His goodness and glory, that all may see and glorify your Father in heaven!

Praying for you and yours! Have a blessed day, its your choice!