Salt and Light

QUESTION: What do salt and light have in common?

"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. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. 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." (Matthew 5:13-16, ESV)

In biblical times salt was important for several reasons:
1.  It preserved foods
2.  It provided flavoring to food
3.  It was used as currency within some cultures

We are identified in  Matthew 5 as being "the salt of the earth".  As such we are to preserve the world by teaching others of Jesus' love.  We should flavor the world with God's love.  We should be seen as valuable because of God's authority and love within us.  If we identify ourselves as followers of Jesus we must maintain these qualities.  We cannot be bland Christians who are "no longer good for anything".

In the same respect we are also called the "light of the world".  In a time without electricity light was a valuable tool, a luxury.  Without artificial light created by fire, work ended when the sun went down and did not resume until sunrise.  Light was not wasted, covered, or hidden.  It was exposed for all to see.  We are to shine God's glory wherever we go.  We should not be ashamed to be followers of Christ.  We should not waste our God-give gifts and talents on things that do not bring Him glory.  We are to stand out, not from of conceit or pride, but as a means of using the light within us to guide others to Christ.





ANSWER: Salt and light are both valuable.  You are valuable.