Christian Influence

Salt and light represent what every Christian should be — a penetrating and illuminating influence, something both to be seen and felt, a power to attract and transform.

What can we learn about this influence we are to have as Christians?

Twofold Sphere (Area of Influence)

The Earth

Verse 13 says, “Ye are the salt of the earth.” The earth is the place of the curse.

It may represent the heart of man as the seat (center, or place from which something comes) of his affections and the source of his desires.

Matthew 6:10 “Thy will be done in earth” — in the heart of man — “as it is in Heaven.”

2 Kings 2:19-22 Elisha threw salt into the spring of waters (the source of life, or the heart, of the city) to heal (purify) it.

The World

Verse 14 says, “Ye are the light of the world.” The world here may mean the sphere of man’s mind and thought. Apart from the light of revelation, this is a world of spiritual darkness.

Twofold Action

It Permeates Like Salt

Invisible, but effectual in its working. Must first get into touch with the corruptions of ungodliness before it can heal. It represents unconscious influence.

It Illuminates Like Light

This is something to be seen.

The light is not something put on. It is the outcome of a flame kindled.

The Christian’s life is the light. The life is the light of men. If there is abundance of life there will be a brightness of light. A living Christ within will make a steady light without.

Twofold Nature

The Salt Must Have Savor

Savor is a particular taste, flavor, or smell.

Salt is good, but savorless salt is good for nothing. The mere name and form of salt without savour is powerless.

Savor is a symbol of the Holy Spirit. We may bear the name Christian and have the form of godliness, but without the Holy Ghost we are savorless salt, “good for nothing.”

Mark 9:50 tells us to have salt in ourselves. When we are salted with the fire of the Holy Spirit, it is the savor that is precious and powerful.

Ephesians 5:18 tells us to be filled with the Spirit.

The Candle Must Have Light

Here again the mere name and form are useless without the living flame. A candle must be lighted; it cannot light itself.

Psalm 18:28 “For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.”

Twofold Purpose

To Salt the Earth

Verse 13, If Christians lose their savor, wherewith shall it be salted? If the world does not see Christ in the Christian, where will it see Him?

If the ungodly don’t feel the power of Christ’s presence in the actions of His people, how will they feel it?

To Glorify the Father (vs. 16)

The light is to shine, not that men may praise the light, but that they may be led to trust and glorify the Father. Let your light so shine.

Twofold Hindrance

A hindrance is something that holds back or prevents progress.

In Losing the Savor

Verse 13 tells us that if the salt loses its savor, it is good for nothing but to be cast out and to be trodden under the foot of men.

This is a sad picture of a powerless Christian! It is the same as a withered branch.

Judges 16:20 Samson was like savorless salt when the Spirit departed from him.

1 Thessalonians 5:19 tells us not to quench (put out, cool off, kill) the Spirit.

In Hiding the Light

2 Corinthians 4:6 God shined the light in our hearts so we could let it shine. We need to let it shine forth in a bold, steady testimony for Jesus Christ.

Verse 15. The fear of man is often the bushel (container) that hides the light, or the bed of selfish ease. Remember that a covered light may be suffocated.