Let the world see you

Salt and Light

13 “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.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 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. (Mt 5:13–16).

WE MUST HAVE IMPACT

You must be salty

If we are to be the salt of the earth we must remain impactful salty. Salt has long been used for flavoring and for preserving food. It has also been used in tanning, dyeing and bleaching, and the production of pottery, soap, and chlorine. Today, it is widely used in the chemical industry.

Salt has its uses. We know it uses for seasoning, preserving or curing meats, assisting with removing stains. It can also be used for injuries

Sore Throat: The simplest remedy for minor sore throat pain is a warm saltwater gargle .

Burns or Injuries: A severe burn in your mouth from eating something very hot can be relieved by rinsing with saltwater every hour or so.

Gums: warm salt water solution can relieve gum pain

Jesus describes his followers as the salt of the earth. We have purpose to assist. We have far reaching impact.

50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” . (Mk 9:50).

34 “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. (Lk 14:34–35).

A new use of salt, distinct from that of preserving food, or its symbolic meaning in sacrifice, is brought before us, and becomes the ground-work of a new parable. The use is obviously a lower and humbler one than the others. The salt serves, mingling with the dung-hill, to manure and prepare the ground for the reception of the seed.

Bear this in mind A corrupt church cannot even exercise an influence for good over the secular life of the nation which it represents.

The religious man whose religion has become an hypocrisy cannot even be a good citizen, or help others forward in the duties of their active life by teaching or example.

The church and the individual man are alike fit only to be “cast out”—to become, i.e., a by-word and proverb of reproach.

Our impact must be consistent. We must be ready to assist in multiple ways to maintain our effectiveness. Willing to share a word, demonstrate a practice so that the world will respect and desire our presence.

Jesus, after telling us we are the salt, and we need to stay pure so we do not lose our saltiness, also says we are the light of the world.

Salt has to do with you and the Word and staying pure.

Jesus said if we lose our saltiness, we are useless.

Impurities cause us to lose our saltiness.

If we stay close to the Word, we will remain pure in relationship with God.

Secondly We must be NOTICEABLE

Jesus said 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden (Mt 5:14).

Two things stand out. You are the light of the world and a city that cannot be hid.

The light has to do with you showing God to others. Not that you are the light, but that God’s light shows through you. There should be a great light shining from every saint. Light is noticeable. When light is turned it changes the room from dark to light. Its the same thing when we shine our light in a dark world it moves it from darkness to light.

There must be a fundamental understanding light.

a. What is the Light? Light brings illumination. It is a tool for guidance. Psalm 119:105 says Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The Bible said we are a city that cannot be hidden. (The Kingdom of God will produce light). Citizens of the city should produce light. How do we do that? We WILL reflect the light that comes from Christ. But what IS the light? Our Light is the Fruit of the Spirit. The very nature and characteristics of God Himself!

Our church has a responsibility to be a beacon light in this community! What things are we doing that the community will say that church cares? that church loves? that church needs to stay here? verse 15 says 15 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. (Mt 5:15).

Lastly YOU MUST DO THE GOOD WORK

16 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. (Mt 5:16–17).

So since we are the salt and the light and we understand what salt and light does Jesus said in the same way. What is he saying? Be effective! Be meaningful! Be purposeful! Be Useful!

Let your light shine so they can see your good works. For what? Not so you can be a star! So it can reflect to where the light came from.

Paul put it this way in Phil 4:8-9 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Php 4:8–9).

Yes all praises go to God! Andre Crouch said it this way

How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me? Things so undeserved, yet You gave to prove Your love for me; the voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude. All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe it all to Thee.

To God be the glory, to God be the glory, to God be the glory for the things He has done.

With His blood He has saved me, with His power He has raised me; to God be the glory for the things He has done.

Just let me live my life, let it pleasing, Lord to Thee, and if I gain any praise, let it go to Calvary.