Called to Season and Shine
Posted on Feb 01, 2023 by Heather Lewis
This Sunday in Matthew, Jesus is telling us to be salt and light to the world. We have lots of great examples of being the light: Jesus is the Light of the world; the Light shines in the darkness; “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine!” But, let’s face it, salt is tricky. Salt can be exactly what you need, but can completely overpower if there’s just a little too much. If someone says you’re being salty, you’re unreasonably upset … not so positive.
Something I find interesting about this week’s scripture is how Jesus ends it. In Matthew 5:13-16, he talks about how he wants us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. In verses 17-19 he shifts his focus to how he is being criticized: he is not here to abolish the law but to fulfill it, and we are to follow and teach the Ten Commandments. Then the kicker is verse 20: “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Could it be that Jesus is giving an example of being too bright and salty? We know he thought that the Pharisees were blinded by thoughts of their own righteousness, and he wanted his followers to know that serving yourself is not what God wants, but instead to serve others.
This week, I encourage you to focus on the positive values of salt and light. Be the one who seasons the life of others: smile, listen, encourage, love. Be a beacon of light in a world that can be dark. You never know how someone’s eyes can be opened by God’s love shining through you.
In Christ’s love,
Heather Lewis
Director of Worship and Music