Still called to be the salt and the light

For such a time as this have we been called to be the salt and the light when all else is failing. We are the salt and light of the earth – let us push the darkness back and bring God’s flavour where hate and strife abound.

Biblical meaning of called to be the salt and the light

The Bible refers to “salt” and “light” several times in the Old and New Testaments. It is done within different frames of reference, but it is the meaning of “salt” and “light” in the New Testament that makes me think.

In Mark 9:50, salt is compared to our attitude:

Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.

Mark 9:50,

In the previous verse, he writes:

Everyone will be salted with fire.

Mark 9:49

It is interesting to note that two commands follow each other:

1. “Have salt among yourselves”; and
2. “…be at peace with each other.”

The fire of the Lord “salts” us. When we are burning with passion for Him, we are like salt that does not lose its saltiness; we are “tasty”. However, our “fire” for the Lord must not cause trouble; we must live in peace with each other.

There is another command in Colossians 4:6:

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 4:6

Living a life that is seasoned with salt

Passion for the Lord and His work leads to peace when we use our words wisely. Our passion (fire) produces light. Fire is undoubtedly the most basic form of heat and light which people “discovered”. The “fire” we have for the work of the Lord that burns within us produce light in the darkness.

In Matthew 5:14, we are described as 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.”

These references to both “salt” and “light” indicate endurance to complete the work of the Lord with passion and stand in direct opposition to being “lukewarm” or experiencing “burn-out” in the process.

May the Lord bless us with strength, wisdom and peace to complete his work with a burning passion that lights up the world around us. For daily inspiration read The Word for Today, or find our podcasts on iono.fm.

Written by Jean Lung