SALT AND LIGHT

                                               “Salt & Light”
        "Ye are the light of the World"  (Mt. 5:14)          

      This remarkable statement by our Lord was made during His “Ser-
mon on the Mount.” It is immediately preceded by an equally thought
provoking concept designating His disciples as the "Salt of the earth.”  
At first glance,  the “Light of  the World” statement  seems to conflict 
with verses 3-4 of the very next chapter. I had some difficulty reconci-
ling this with the idea of “..charitable deeds in secret.”  I recognized a 
great  difference  between  shining  light and  charitable deeds.  Chari-
table deeds;  good  works are  personal  sacrifices  made on  behalf of 
another.  While  letting  "your  light  shine" is also in  the category of 
“good works,”  it is not the same,  since it is giving  witness to the gos-
pel.  As one  gives witness to the gospel of  Jesus Christ, the focus and
glory is on Jesus Christ.  It is quite possible in  doing charitable deeds 
the focus  may be taken from our Lord and placed on the one who per-
forms  such  deeds.  Since  we  always  give  Glory to  God,  charitable 
deeds are to  be done in such a way that Christ is glorified.  As we wit-
ness to  the grace of  God in Christ,  we are giving glory to  our Lord.  
Focus is removed  from self,  onto  Him. Witnessing to  the  gospel of
Jesus Christ may be one-on-one, or it may be done in a small or large
group which takes it out of  the realm of secret.  Instead of preaching, 
witnessing,  or  teaching in secret we follow the example of  our  Lord 
as we go among  any people, and openly communicate the good news 
of salvation in Christ Jesus at an appropriate time and manner.

   The idea that  God’s Children are the “Salt of  the earth,” and "light 
of  the world" are kindred principles.  For example,  when  light comes 
into a situation it  is a good thing.   It keeps  men from  stumbling and 
losing their way.  We,  as “salt”  are also a positive in  the world.   Just  
as  salt  preserves, adds  flavor,  and  is even helpful in certain medical 
situations,  the Child of God is to be a positive influence in his culture. 
There is a warning concerning  loss of  saltiness on the part of  the Dis-
ciples  of  Jesus Christ and  that  has to  do with  one who has lost  the 
unique qualities of Christ in his life. Just as salt may lose it’s saltiness, 
(savor) the Child  of  God is capable of  losing  his Christ-likeness.   In 
the older version,  KJV,  this quality  is  likened to the unique savor of
salt.   In the newer,  NKJV,  this is  called  flavor.   I  prefer  the  older 
version, since there is more to saltiness than just flavor.  The ability of
salt to preserve,  enhance  existing  qualities in food  as well  as to irri-
irritate when  applied to cuts or abrasions.   As  it  irritates, it cleanses.
It is critical to recognize the Child of God gives much more than flavor 
to situations when that one  is controlled and empowered of  the Spirit 
of Jesus Christ.  (Salt, in some settings is related to faith in God.)

     Just as salt and light may not  be welcome in some situations, the 
Child of God who is salty;  gives the light of God  on  circumstances, 
may suffer  for it.  I am  reminded  here of  the words of  the Apostle 
Paul:  “..the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be com-
pared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18) 
Since Christ said, “You are the light of the World,” “You are the salt 
of the earth,”  let’s be salt and light  wherever we  go in the  name of 
Jesus  Christ and  for His glory.  This  will occur as  we  are crucified
with Christ,  die to self, daily and  refuse to do  anything  out of  self  
interest, in the flesh.  Galatians 2: 20-21; "I am crucified with Christ; 
nevertheless  I live; yet  not I, but Christ  liveth  in  me:  and  the life 
which I now  live in  the flesh  I live by  the faith of  the Son of  God, 
who loved me, and gave himself for me.  kjv

 CAUTION:   Being "salty," is not an attitude,  but a reflection of Christ.                                                                                    
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