Salt And Light

Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

We are to be salt and light.  It’s a huge responsibility most of us cannot meet all the time.  We can be tasteless and dark.  A definition of “tasteless” is "lacking in aesthetic judgment or to offend against what is regarded as appropriate behavior." 

Being rude and vulgar makes us tasteless.  This is not exactly what Jesus had in mind.  However, considering today’s discourse and lack of civility by so many people, including many Christians, I choose this definition.  Moreover, perhaps those who are defined in this way remain under their bushel baskets.  They can shine no light and trample underfoot those who try to love their neighbor, including them.

Then again, perhaps if they were set on a lampstand, they would change for the better.  Jesus likely would drag them out of their dark and places where all could see.  He would place them in the spotlight and insist on good deeds; otherwise, they would be thrown out.  Jesus is forgiving to be sure, but those with hard hearts place themselves with the goats, and we know their fate.

Deacon David Pierce