Matthew 5:13–16 (NIV)

13 “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. 

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. This isn’t anything you need to work for, it is where you begin. Jesus speaks it over you and proclaims it as your true identity. The call to follow is about what you do in light of this truth and identity. Salt helps reveal the flavor in food. Steak tastes more “steaky” with a little bit of salt. Is there anything worse in this world than unsalted fries? You don’t add salt to something to make it taste salty, you add salt to make it taste more like itself. This is how we are to be in this world. We are to bring out the best in others, help their true selves shine through. Every person you have ever met or will ever meet has been created in the image and likeness of God, but sometimes it has a hard time of coming through. Part of our calling is to remind people of who they really are and to help their divine nature, the imago Dei, shine through (2 Pet 1:4). 

In the same way, you too were created with the Imago Dei stamped on your soul. That part of you is like a light that is meant to shine. When you let that light shine it reminds others of the light that they have. It helps to awaken the light of God in others. 

Your turn:

• This week you are going to practice being salty and letting your light shine. 

• Ask Jesus to highlight someone that you can “pour salt on” by calling out the gold that you see within them through sharing an encouraging word. 

• Tell a mom or dad what a great job they are doing in raising their kids. 

• Tell a fast food worker or barista how much you appreciate their smile and kindness. 

• Tell a pastor or mentor how they have changed the course of your life through their impact. 

• Find someone and say what you see in them. 

• Take a moment to recognize what God is doing in your life. 

• What strengths and gifts has he given you, and let them shine. 

• Are you good at giving encouraging words? Try to encourage someone everywhere you go this week. 

• Are you naturally generous? Find a way to intentionally bless someone every day this week. 

• Are you strong and enjoy being outdoors? Offer to help a neighbor with some yard work this week. 

Find some way to shine forth the light that God has placed inside of you.