"Salt and Light" | August 10, 2025 | Ps Stephen George

In a world often shrouded in darkness, we are called to be beacons of light and agents of flavor. But what does it truly mean to be "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world"? These powerful metaphors, spoken by Jesus himself, carry a depth of meaning that goes far beyond mere seasoning or illumination.

Salt, in ancient times, was more than just a condiment. It was a preservative, a symbol of purity, and even a representation of loyalty and fidelity. When we're told to be the salt of the earth, we're being called to honor our promises, live up to our commitments, and heal those around us. It's not just about making life more palatable; it's about preserving what's good and pure in the world.

But what happens when salt loses its flavor? It becomes worthless, fit only to be trampled underfoot. This serves as a stark reminder that our effectiveness in the world depends on maintaining our distinctive "saltiness" – our unique ability to influence and preserve what's good.

Similarly, light is a powerful metaphor used throughout Scripture to represent God Himself. "God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). Jesus declared, "I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life" (John 8:12). This light isn't a weak, flickering flame, but an everlasting radiance that cuts through the darkest of darks.

As followers of Christ, we're called to reflect this divine light. "You are the light of the world," Jesus tells us. But here's the crucial part – this light isn't meant to be hidden. "No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand where it gives light to everyone in the house."

So how do we let our light shine? Through good deeds. But what exactly constitutes a "good deed" in God's eyes?

To understand this, we can look to the parable of the Good Samaritan. This story illustrates that true good deeds often come at a personal cost. The Samaritan didn't just offer a quick fix; he went out of his way, spent his own resources, and made a long-term commitment to help someone who was not only a stranger but considered an enemy.

Jesus takes this concept even further, challenging us to "love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:27-28). This is where the rubber meets the road. Good deeds, in their truest form, are acts of love – often directed towards those who may never be able to repay us or even those who have wronged us.

It's about being generous with our time, serving our neighbors, using our resources to bless others, offering forgiveness, and extending grace – the same undeserved grace that our Heavenly Father has given to each of us. This kind of love isn't reserved for the super-spiritual; it's a calling for every believer.

When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, His response was clear: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind... A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:36-39). Everything we do should center around these two principles – loving God and loving people.

But let's be honest – living this way isn't always easy. We all have "baskets" that sometimes dim our light. These could be baskets of pride, shame, despair, unforgiveness, addiction, depression, or confusion. The good news is that no matter how heavy or dark our basket may be, God's light in us never extinguishes. His light is everlasting, and it's that light that enables us to be the "city on a hill" that Jesus calls us to be.

Here's a liberating truth: our good deeds reflect our Savior's perfect love, not our own perfection. We don't have to have it all together to let our light shine. We simply need to step out from under our baskets and allow God's love to flow through us.

This journey of being salt and light isn't about striving for perfection or checking off religious boxes. It's about humbly allowing God's perfect love to shine through our imperfect lives. It's about recognizing that even when we feel dim, God's light in us remains strong and unextinguishable.

For those who may feel they're living under a particularly heavy basket, take heart. The power of the living God, your Savior who loves you, meets you exactly where you are – even in your darkest moments. He has the strength to flip that basket over and let your light shine again.

And for those who may not yet have accepted this light into their lives, know that it's freely available. You don't have to do anything to earn it. It's a simple but powerful decision to accept Jesus as your Savior, allowing His light to fill you and shine through you.

As we reflect on what it means to be salt and light in our world, let's challenge ourselves to step out from under our baskets. Let's allow God's love to flow through us in tangible ways, even when it's difficult or costly. Let's be generous with our time, our resources, and our forgiveness. Let's love our enemies and pray for those who mistreat us.

Remember, it's not about achieving perfection. It's about reflecting the perfect love of our Savior. As we do this, we become living testimonies to God's transforming power, and our good deeds become a beacon that draws others to glorify our Heavenly Father.

So, let your light shine. Be the salt that preserves what's good in this world. And in doing so, may we all become a little more like the city on a hill that cannot be hidden – a brilliant reflection of God's everlasting light in a world that desperately needs it.