Introduction

Beloved friends, as we gather together in the warmth of God's embrace, let us turn our hearts and minds toward the sacred teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. We find ourselves today at the foot of the Sermon on the Mount, a sermon that is as much an invitation as it is a declaration, a call to action as well as a promise of reward. We are about to immerse ourselves in the profound wisdom of Matthew 5:13-16, where we are beckoned to be both the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, in His infinite wisdom and love, uses these simple yet profound metaphors to illustrate the transformative role we are to play in this world. He calls us to be the salt, preserving and adding flavor to the world, and the light, illuminating the darkness and guiding others to the truth.

Maltbie Davenport Babcock once said, "We are not here to play, to dream, to drift; we have hard work to do and loads to lift. Shun not the struggle; face it. 'Tis God's gift." Indeed, we are called to action, to be the salt and light in a world that often seems tasteless and dark.

Becoming the Salt of the Earth

In the world we live in, salt is a common commodity. We find it in our kitchens, in our meals, and even in our bodies. It's so common, in fact, that we often take it for granted. But in the time of Jesus, salt was a valuable resource. It was used not only for flavoring food but also for preserving it. Without refrigeration, salt was the primary means of keeping food from spoiling.

What does it mean to be salt?: When Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth, He's calling us to be essential, to be life-giving, to be preserving. He's calling us to bring flavor and zest to the world around us, to bring out the best in others, to preserve what is good and true and beautiful. He's calling us to make a difference, to leave a mark, to have an impact.

But what does this look like in practice? How do we live out this calling to be the salt of the earth?

Firstly: Being the salt of the earth means living a life of integrity. Salt is pure. It's not mixed with other substances. It's not diluted or contaminated. It's 100% salt. In the same way, we are called to be pure in our thoughts, words, and actions. We are called to be genuine, to be authentic, to be true to who we are and to who God has called us to be. We are called to live a life that is consistent with our beliefs and values, a life that reflects the character of Christ.

Secondly: Being the salt of the earth means being a preservative. Just as salt was used in ancient times to keep food from spoiling, we are called to preserve what is good and true and beautiful in the world. We are called to stand against injustice, to speak up for the voiceless, to defend the weak and the vulnerable. We are called to uphold the values of the kingdom of God in a world that often seems to have lost its way.

Thirdly: Being the salt of the earth means bringing flavor to life. Salt enhances the taste of food. It brings out the flavors that are already there. In the same way, we are called to bring out the best in others, to encourage and uplift, to inspire and motivate. We are called to add value to the lives of those around us, to make their lives better because of our presence.

Fourthly: Being the salt of the earth means making a difference. Salt is small, but it has a big impact. A little bit of salt can change the taste of an entire dish. In the same way, we may feel small and insignificant, but we can have a big impact on the world around us. We can make a difference in the lives of those we encounter. We can leave a mark that lasts.

Bearing the Light of the World

As we continue to reflect on the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, we find ourselves drawn to the second metaphor He uses in this passage ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO