Monday, October 24, 2022

Sal et Lux | Salt and Light

"...that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" — Mat 5:16 (NIV) 





Today, I learn about Salt and Light as a Christian.

Have you ever tasted a dish full of spices and herbs yet unsalted? Anyone who cooks understands. There are times when we lack this or that of the ingredients, but the meal still can be served. But not when there’s no salt. Stop everything and find it. We cannot serve the meal. Because so many ingredients have not much significance in a dish without this one element – the salt.

What about the light? It is easier to understand. In general, without light we cannot do most of anything. Activities are paralyzed or greatly disturbed in the dark. Blindness become the scariest condition we could think of, as we cannot imagine living without any light. It creates doubts and fear.

What happens when the salt loses its saltiness? The Lord Jesus clearly said that it has no use but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot (v.13). Salt has one specific characteristic, the saltiness. Without it, it is not called as salt. Jesus said Christians are the salt of the earth (v.13). I can imagine, they make people thankful and praise the Lord as if they have just tasted delicious food. If it is difficult for people to distinguish Christians among others, then are they truly Christians? For they do not bring saltiness to season the bland and flavorless world.  

Meanwhile, speaking of the light for the world, people put the lamp on its stand to give light to everyone in the house. It is not supposed to be hidden under a bowl (v.15). Jesus said it is similar to a town built on a hill which cannot be hidden (v.14). Everyone can see the light easily and it brings clarity, not doubts. Christians are supposed to bring the Truth that will guide everyone to walk through this dark world – as the co-workers of Jesus Christ who was “the Light of the world” himself (John 9:5).

Let’s examine ourselves. How does our presence season the people around us? Are they grateful for us? Does our light shine clearly? Do people see good deeds in us and glorify our Father in heaven? Let’s be salt and light more and more.

 


Reflection on Matthew 5:13-16 by Desire Litaay 
(Listen to the Podcast here)

No comments:

Post a Comment