(Originally published 6/30/11)
Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
When Jesus likened His disciples to ‘salt and light’ He was basically telling them that the sum total of their Christian character should have an influence on those around them for good. Now that’s not to say that those we have an influence on will necessarily think it’s good and appreciate us—why? Because the world is an open sore and we are salt; the world is living in darkness and we come along shining as lights—both hurt which explains the world’s reaction to us as Jesus described it in v.11-12:
