Matthew 5:13-16 (Jesus said) “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. You are 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. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
These words are as relevant today as they were in the first century. In a culture that often prioritizes self-interest, success, and comfort, Christians are called to live in a way that stands out – not for the sake of being different, but to reflect God’s glory.
Being salt means preserving goodness and adding flavour to the world around us. This could involve standing up for what is right, even when it’s unpopular, or bringing joy and encouragement to those who are weary. Light, on the other hand, exposes darkness and provides guidance. As Christians, our lives should point others to Christ through our words and actions.
Living counter-culturally doesn’t mean isolating ourselves or rejecting everything in society. It means engaging with the world in a way that reflects Christ’s love, wisdom, and truth. This could involve ethical decisions at work, fostering genuine relationships in a superficial culture, or showing compassion in a divided world.
By being salt and light, we fulfill our calling to make God’s kingdom known, offering hope and transformation in a world that desperately needs both.