Salt and Light

You may be wondering what the meaning is behind, The Salt and Light Journeys. To understand, let’s start by first defining the meaning behind the words.

Salt is a crystalline compound that consists of sodium chloride, is abundant in nature, and is used to preserve food. Because refrigeration was not common historically, salt was used to preserve meats because most bacteria could not survive in a salty environment. Today commonly preserved meats are bacon or corned beef. We also know salt to flavor food. Many chefs use salt in cooking meat to bring out the flavor.

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus tells us “Your lives are like salt among the people. But if you, like salt, become bland, how can your ‘saltiness’ be restored? Flavorless salt is good for nothing and will be thrown out and trampled on by others”.

What He is saying is that if we believe in Him, our faith must be “seasoned”. We must continually learn and grow so our faith increases in “flavor”.

Light, on the other hand, is something that makes vision possible, something that enlightens or informs public knowledge. It is hard to see in the dark but when the sun comes out, we can see clearly. Light also awakens us. Think about it this way, on a rainy day how do you feel? Low energy, tired, sad? In contrast, a sunny day fills you with vigor and happiness.

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus goes on to tell us, ¹⁴ “Your lives light up the world. For how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? ¹⁵ And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light. ¹⁶ So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.”

Jesus wants us to live out our faith. Show it, share it with others, let it shine! As Christians, I often think we assume people understand what it means to be a Christian. In fact, I think it is safe to say they often assume the worst. Being a Christian is not about the word Christian but rather believing in Him, following His direction, loving one another, and doing exactly what he says in Matthew 5:13-16, be salt and light.

Please understand, that by no means do Jim and I believe we are experts in this journey of being a follower of Jesus. We fail often, but aspire every day to be more and more like Him, and welcome His forgiveness when we head in the wrong direction. The goal is not to be perfect, but to know that we, along with everyone else, are welcomed, forgiven, and loved completely by Him.

So, Jim and I begin this next journey in our life. A journey in learning more about Him and those around us, growing and sharing our faith, and serving those in need. Flavoring the world and letting our light shine, one mile at a time!