I am Salt and Light

Many years ago, a friend and I decided to attempt a trail run that would push us to the limit. It was the first year of this particular race called The Twisted Branch, and I’d never done anything like it before.  We took three months to train and prepare.   

On the day of the race, I made a judgement call that could have ended in disaster—I chose not to take my spare headlamp from mile 40 to mile 60. I thought I could make it those 20 miles before the sun set, but when I left the aid station at mile 54, I knew I would be running in the dark—by myself— on a trail through the forest. Have you ever been in the dark with no light to guide your way?  

Salt is almost as vital to us as light. Yes, we all use salt to flavor food, but before there was electric refrigeration, salt was used to preserve food and prevent it from spoiling. A pastor I worked with grew up on a farm where one of his jobs was to pack the newly butchered meat into a barrel between layers of salt. His family ate on this meat all year. That salt was the difference between meat that contributed to the life of the family and meat that would have made them sick, even die.  

We often don’t realize the incredible importance of something until we don’t have it.     

As believers, Jesus says this of us: “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?  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)  

Jesus tells us that we are salt and light: two necessary elements of life.  He also warns us against losing our saltiness or hiding our light.  

How do we do this? His Word shows us the way.  

In John 8:12, Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  (NIV)  

He also said, “Anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”  (John 3:21, HCSB)  

And the Apostle Paul said, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8, HCSB)   

Regarding salt, Paul says in Colossians that “Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6, HCSB)  

Dear Saints, we are salt and light in this broken world. In Christ, we provide guidance and preservation. But we only provide these things when our words, attitudes, and actions reflect the truth of Jesus and His Word.  

We shine most brightly as we walk in good deeds.  Then, and only then, will those walking in the darkness of this world be able to see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4).   

And don’t buy the lie that your life or witness is not significant. I started this devotional with the story about my trail race. Well, the only way I was able to finish the race was that a couple caught up to me! The man scouted the path ahead with his light and the women followed behind me with her headlamp. The amount of light from both of their headlights was the only way I was able to navigate the roots and rocks.  

You, dear Saints, are salt and light in Christ. Your life is meant to point others to the Heavenly Father, so that they can give glory to Him. You can help them know the truth about God so that they walk in the light (and finish the race!), instead of remaining lost in the darkness. And when we are talking about someone’s eternal destination, that is significant!