Salt & Light - Pastor Tim
Salt & Light
Pastor Tim Spirk
Jesus told His followers, “You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13–16) These two images—salt and light—paint a vivid picture of what it means to live as His people in a world that desperately needs His truth and love. Being both salt and light means we are called to engage, influence, and transform the world around us—not to blend in with it, but to make it better.
The Purpose of Salt
In Jesus’ time, salt was incredibly valuable. During the Roman Empire, salt was so precious it was used to pay taxes, and soldiers were even sent across the world to find it. When revolutionaries mixed dirt into salt shipments, it ruined the salt’s purpose—it could no longer preserve or flavor, so it was thrown out and trampled underfoot. This is what Jesus meant when He warned, “If the salt loses its savor, it is worthless.”
Salt had many purposes:
It preserved food from decay.
It enhanced flavor, bringing life to what would otherwise be bland.
It was an antiseptic, used to clean and heal wounds.
It even served as a fertilizer, enriching soil for growth.
Salt was practical, powerful, and transformative—and that’s what believers are called to be. We are sent into the world to preserve what is good, bring out the beauty of God’s truth, and bring healing wherever there’s brokenness. We don’t belong to the world, but Jesus sends us into it to reveal His purpose and power.
The Power of Light
Jesus also said we are the light of the world—a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. In ancient Israel, elevated cities served as beacons of warning and hope. When danger came, multiple torches would shine from the walls. A city with no light meant it had fallen.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be that light. We don’t hide it; we lift it high. A lamp’s effectiveness depends on its oil and its position. The oil represents the Holy Spirit—our power source. As 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, “We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within.” Though fragile, we hold within us the very presence of God, and His Spirit fuels our light.
When we raise our light—through our words, actions, and faith—it pushes back darkness. The higher we lift Jesus in our lives, the more His light fills the room. Our testimonies, our gifts, and our everyday faith become vessels of His illumination.
Light Brings Order and Beauty
In Genesis 1, God’s first creative act was light. “Let there be light,” He said, and chaos turned into order. Darkness fled, and life began to take shape. Light brought clarity, beauty, and purpose.
In the same way, when we shine the light of Jesus, we bring divine order into the world’s formless and empty places. His light in us has authority—it governs darkness. Just as the sun rules the day and the moon governs the night, we are called to let His light in us rule over every shadow of fear, confusion, and sin.
Shine Brightly
God placed His Spirit inside of you for a reason. Don’t hide what He’s done—shine it. Share your story, serve others, and let your presence bring warmth and hope to dark places.
When you live as salt and light, you bring the presence of Jesus into your home, workplace, and community. You preserve what is good, reveal what is true, and reflect the glory of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
