Matthew 5:13-20 Salt and Light

By nature, salt and light are salty and bright respectively. Their properties are inherent characteristics of what they are. Salt was used as a preservative and a seasoning. It was a symbol of durability and value. Light is used to represent the good; that which is of high moral character. 

Those who belong to the kingdom of God ought to be salt and light. The saltiness and brightness of a Christian is determined by good works. Good works don't justify, but they testify. If I am a member of the kingdom of God, my conduct will be so different from the world that even the world will notice that I am different. We are not to conform to the world's attitudes and conduct, but we are to follow the kingdom's attitudes and conduct.

We were created for good works. Good works that God has prepared for us to do even before we were born. We are called to walk in them (See Eph. 2:10); to be a model of them (Titus 2:7-8); to be devoted to them (Titus 3:14); and to be zealous for them (Titus 2:14).

I need to make changes in my attitudes and conduct that conform to kingdom values and stop excusing myself because "everybody else does it." I need to rise above "everyone else" in the name of God and set a standard for myself that is above the world's. It requires my willing determination as well as my working discipline to make it happen.

Lord, help me live a life that is salty and bright. Help me work the good deeds you have set for me to honor you. Don't allow me to conform and become complacent, but challenge me to do your will.