I am only in Day 2 of this multi-day reflection on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and I am already finding that this is a far more difficult deliberation than I anticipated. As I approach some of the sections of the sermon, I must face the answers to a two-word question, “Am I?”
The first question was “Am I teachable?” and the second was “Am I poor in spirit?” Both questions caused me to bare a part of my soul to examination.
Today is another question, “Am I salt and light?” [Read Matthew 5:13-16]
As believers, Jesus tells us we “are the salt of the earth.” Salt was a valuable commodity in the ancient world. It was used to preserve food (there were no freezers or fridges), heal wounds and treat illnesses. Our word “salary” comes from the ancient word for salt and means “salt-money.”
Jesus also tells us we “are the light of the world.” We are a beacon in the darkness that draws people to the light of Christ Jesus and the truth of God’s Word.
I noticed one thing of great importance as I read this passage. That is the use of the verb “are.” Jesus did not tell us to struggle “to be” salt or light. He said we already “are.”
So, I guess this question was easier than the first two. I “am” salt and light because God’s Spirit within me has made me so. So I guess today I am considering if I am flowing in those roles as God has determined me to do.
