Salt and Light

In Matthew 5 Jesus tells his disciples that they must be both light and salt to the world. It is the model that Jesus demonstrated and is also applicable to us in the church today i.e.  being a witness for Christ. The light represents the lifestyle that must be demonstrated by a believer.  A lot of the time we will be unaware of who is affected by this light. just as most of the world would never have personally met  Mother Teresa but they would have been affected by the light she showed. 

In a similar way we must be light to those observing us even if we are unaware of their observations.  As someone once said a true refection of our character is revealed in how we behave when no one is watching. However many Christians live there life as light but miss the importance of being salt. The two must go together. Salt is only useful when it actually comes into contact with food, to flavour or preserve.  In the same way we must come into contact with the broken hearted, poor, distressed and needy members of our community. ministering to them in  the  Holy Spirits power.

As disciples we must demonstrate both these characteristics, being an example of Christ to people in the way we live but also in the things we do as we touch peoples lives by our interactions with them. Jesus came as a light  did not stay aloof but mingled with the people. To be true disciple we must do likewise  in our communities.