This devotional was written by Chloee Jean.
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:13-16
What does it mean to be salt and light? Let’s do some digging…
Salt, back in the Middle East during the first century, was used to preserve food because of lack of refrigeration and was a flavor enhancer. In turn, that is how Jesus in the passage above is calling us, as Believers in Him, to be. We are to be preservatives to the world, preserving it from the evil and sin that lurks around. Not only that, but we are to also “enhance” the flavor of life in this world. Meaning that as we live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in obedience to Christ, we will inevitably influence the world for good.
In summary, we are to help preserve the world we live in (as God intended it to be) and bring flavor to it. Jesus was simply telling us that as long as we are living in step with God, we’ll make the world a more enjoyable place by enhancing and communicating God’s goodness. And, if we lose our saltiness, we will lose the effectiveness and impact we can pour out into this world.
Now, what about light? Well, it is pretty self-explanatory, but we are to be a reflection of The Light in this dark world. Our light; our behavior; our faith — all these things should be something that draws people to us. John 1:5 says “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”. The darkness cannot overcome the light inside you, so why let it influence how bright you shine?
Don’t hide the light that has been placed inside of you, shine it for all to see.
The metaphors of salt and light specifically addressed the impact faithfulness should have in the world. It should illuminate and preserve.
Our relationship with God should have an obvious impact that people come in contact with and experience every day. Jesus isn’t just calling us to be devoted to Him, but also to be an influence everywhere we go and every life we come in contact with.
Don’t lose your flavor and don’t hide your light.
Simply be. salt and light.
Show us some love on our social media accounts! We would love to connect with you through these platforms!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everbedesigns/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everbedesigns
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/everbedesigns/_created/
Chloee Jean is a youth leader, a Podcaster, a Digital Creator, Worship Leader, Social Media Manager, and a firm believer in Christ. She was born and raised in a Christian home and spent her days as a little girl singing songs, playing around on the piano, and drawing with her crayons. After years of hardships and trials, Chloee found escape in her music and writing her own lyrics. She pursued a Worship Leader certificate at Bethel Music’s Worship School. When she completed her course, she led worship with her sister, Aliseea, at a small youth group they were both currently serving in. After they both stepped down from that role and during 2020’s pandemic, Chloee started her own podcast called W.O.W and small business, Simply by Chloee Jean. She now finds joy in speaking God’s Word, singing about it occasionally with her sister, and creating digital designs to point others back to God and His Word. When Chloee isn’t designing or podcasting, she spends quality time with her family by having game nights, a movie marathon, or even jamming out to some worship songs. To find her on social media, check out her Instagram page!