Salty and Shiny - A Study of the BeatitudesНамуна

Salty and Shiny 

Why do the beatitudes precede this very profound statement of Jesus asking people to be the salt and the light of the world? Isn’t he the light of the world? What does he expect of us exactly?

The reason Jesus concluded his teaching on the Beatitudes with this exhortation is because our Christian life is not walked in isolation nor is the promised blessed life all for ourselves. We have been blessed in order that we will bless others. Being the salt and the light is the way we do this. Both salt and light are vital parts of our existence, but the only difference is that one is invisible, and the other is highly visible. Depending on the season you’re in currently, you are either salt or light. New mothers with sleepless nights and endless laundry may not have visibility or platforms to serve God from. They serve in the obscurity of their homes touching their husband and children’s lives with their steady service and dependability. If that’s not being salty, I don’t know what is. The high-profile CEOs or entrepreneurs may have ready platforms and visibility to be beacons of light to others who look up to them or who work with them. That’s light right there. These examples are far from exhaustive, but you get the idea. You are both the salt and the light. You may not have thousands of followers on Facebook but to those few who follow you, you are an influencer in your own God-designed way. You may not be eloquent, but you can be kind and that speaks a thousand words. Do you feel invisible in a crowd? Why not speak to the fellow-invisible and make them feel loved and seen? Are you popular in your social circles? Why not use that for the greater good?

Interestingly, since life is unpredictable, our seasons change, and while our platforms may drift off or our visibility fades our influence as followers of Christ never diminishes. We are essential to the world we are in. Just as a meal is tasteless without salt and a room is dark without light, we were created for impact! You matter! 

As you dwell on all that you read over the past 10 days ask God to show you your purpose. Ask Him why were you created and how you can bless others in such a way that it leaves a lasting impression.