The Sermon on the Mount offers us a precious lesson in practical ministry in understanding the importance of being the salt and light of the earth. “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men (Matthew 5:13).”
Christ is teaching that we as believers in him are to be salted in such a way that we make an impact in this world for the furtherance of the gospel. We should perpetually conduct ourselves with a humble spirit and pray for those who have fallen under temptations. However, we as ministry leaders desperately need to remember that we must strive to live in a way where others desire to have what we possess in Christ.
Our life is a testimony unto others — our neighbors are watching to see how we conduct ourselves daily. The worldly crowd is expected to live unholy lives — we on the other hand are expected to live up to a higher standard because of who we claim to represent. Our savior goes on to say, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).”
Jesus reminds us in this passage that we are to positively affect the lives of those we come in contact with. We are to be a witness in this world to others that may not have the knowledge or a personal relationship with Christ. This includes living a holy, sanctified life that produces fruit from abiding in him. We are to shine as lights in a dark world. Giving light unto those that are in darkness. An individual who doesn’t know Christ should see our lives, how we live, and see Christ in us. After all the word Christian means to be “Christ like.”
We’ve got to do our part as believers to not only get the gospel out to a lost and dying world, but to live in a way that gives God glory, and points people to Christ. There should be something different about us that others don’t have but desire to attain. Christ wants his followers to be different than the cultural-religious majority. We are ambassadors for Christ according to 2 Corinthians Chapter 5, it is important for us to be reminded of this role. We are salt and light.
If they don’t see Christ in you who else will be the example?
-Written by Chris Welch