SALT & LIGHT

We read of these two common things in the words of Jesus recorded in (Matt 5:1-16). As followers of Jesus we are to be both of these things to a lost and dying world! Salt and light are both "influential factors" in this dark and corrupted world. As we know salt not only improves the taste of food, but also is a preservative. Before we had refrigerators and freezers (most of you don't go back that far) meat and fish were preserved using a salt solution. And of course we all know the main property of light is that it drives away darkness!

We referred to both of these things as "influential factors" because there is definitely power in influence. Most of you are too young to remember the influence "The Beatles" had on the youth culture of North America back in the 60's, but it was real! Thank God I was no longer a youth then (in my 30's, and a father of 2) and never followed the Beatles, but have observed the effect they had on shaping the behavior of the teens of that day. The same thing could be said for different groups who came on the scene at different times in history. But musical groups are not the only means of influence, there are many other things.

Probably the greatest "power of influence" in any one's life is Jesus Christ Himself! When we believe the truth about Him, and receive Him as our own personal Savior, we come under His influence in all areas of our life. Some things in our life change immediately, but some gradually. There are several terms used to cover this gradual change in the behavior of a believer in Jesus. We are familiar with terms like discipleship, mentoring, spiritual maturity etc. but the Bible term is "sanctification", which simply means to be "set apart" from our old life and it's ways, and to become a follower of Jesus. Thus we not only come under His influence, but because of the salt and light principle, we can now be an "influencer" in our relationship with others. This will happen in our immediate family, our workplace, our church, business associations etc. I recently read a little poem that points this out.

"Lord, let me be a shining light

In all I say and do;

That Your great love displayed in me

May lead someone to You." ---Sper

And the words of an old song give us the same message.

"Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,

All His wonderful passion and purity,

Oh thou Spirit Divine, all my nature refine,

'Til the beauty of Jesus be seen in me!"

Sincerely submitted

Gramp