. . .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 by men. You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see Your good deeds and praise Your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16

The Beatitudes describe the qualities of kingdom citizens. Jesus goes on to teach that His followers are to be “salt and light” to the world, penetrating society with the character of Christ. Salt is a preservative and a seasoning to flavor foods. Interestingly, most of the salt in Israel came from the Dead Sea and was full of impurities, causing it to lose some of its flavor.

If we are to be “salt” to a needy world, we must ask the Lord to remove our impurities so that we don’t lose our flavor or preserving properties. Also, we must continue to feed on His Word to become more like Him in order to be “salt and light” to the world around us. (Romans 12:2) Is the light of Christ shining out from you, or are you hiding the light of Christ within you?

Heavenly Father,

It is my desire to be a light to others around me. I desire to lead others to You, to help the hurting, the lonely, the sick and needy. As I step out in faith to be the hands and feet of Christ to those in need, cleanse my heart and my motives so that I can truly love them and be “salt and light” as You intended for me to be.

In Jesus’ name, Amen