“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.” Matthew 5:13-14

Jesus spoke these words to a crowd that He was teaching. Perhaps you have wondered why He chose to use salt and light for His illustration. When He spoke in parables to those that he was teaching He chose everyday ordinary objects that were common to people and didn’t require any explanation or definition. Salt and light are still common and well understood by us today.

We can test our own willingness about sharing the Gospel by asking ourselves some simple questions, because this statement about being salt and light is about that very thing, sharing Jesus with others. But first some of the important qualities of salt are that it can be used as a preservative, a flavor enhancer, an exfoliant, a purifying agent, a pest repellant, removing bitterness from foods, and extinguishing fires.

Are you a “salty” Christian that enhances the atmosphere of those around you with the presence of Jesus? Do you remove bitterness in relationships or contribute to it? Are you providing relief to those that are wounded or hurting? Are you a purifying agent, are you able to provide spiritual nourishment to those around you? Do you throw gasoline or fuel on fires in relationships that you could help extinguish?

Of course we won’t be perfect in all these areas and when we miss it it is important to recognize and repent and ask Jesus to help us to do better next time.

We are living close to the return of Jesus and so it is crucially important to make every day count and share the salt and light of Jesus with those around us. Remember we live in a mission field and missionaries have compassion for those that they are trying to reach! Share the salt and light of Jesus with those around you in His love.