Why Salt and Light Make a Difference

I made a judgement call that could have ended in disaster. I chose not to take my spare headlamp. 

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 had never done anything like it before.  We took three months to train and prepare.  

To keep a long story short, I’ll just say that my decision not to carry my spare headlamp from mile 40 to mile 60 was a bad decision. 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— through the forest on a trail. 

Have you ever been in the dark with no light to guide your way? We often don’t realize the incredible importance of something until we don’t have it.

Salt is almost as vital to us as light, especially before there was electric refrigeration. Salt not only flavors food but preserves it and prevents 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. The meat would provide the family’s meals throughout the next year. (Have you ever encountered meat that has been out for a length of time with no preservation? It gets wiggly… Yuck!!) That salt was the difference between meat that contributed to the life of the family and meat that would have made people sick, even unto death. 

Jesus says this of us, as believers in Him: “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—and significant—elements of life.  

Jesus also warns us against losing our saltiness or hiding our light. How do we keep these things in action in our life? 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 (added) 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)  

He also said, “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 Christ, we provide guidance and preservation. But we only provide these things as our words, attitudes, and actions reflect the truth of Jesus and His Word. We shine most brightly as we live out good deeds which cause people to give glory to God.  

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).  

Don’t buy the lie that your light is not significant. The only way I was able to finish the race without my own headlamp was that a couple caught up to me. The man scouted the path ahead with his light, and I was able to navigate the roots and rocks with just a small amount of light from the woman’s headlamp as she followed behind. 

The salt and light of your life as you follow Christ is meant to be significant in the lives of others. It is meant to point them to the Heavenly Father for life, so that they can give glory to Him. Your salt and light can make the difference for someone else. It can allow them to know the truth about God so 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.   

You, dear Saints, are salt and light in Christ. Therefore, you are significant.