Light Series: Salt and Light

 

Quite a while ago, my family and I went to a sit down, chain restaurant. We’d eaten at that location numerous times. On a Sunday after church, we braved the crowds to eat at the popular place. I ordered chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes, smothered in gravy. The wait staff carried in a tray ladened with our orders and slid a large portioned plate in front of me. It smelled wonderful and my mouth watered in anticipation. I cut into my steak, forked a bite, and placed it in my mouth.

Oh, my word. Un-believable.

But not in a good way. I almost spit it out but instead, I swallowed. Took a long drink of water. “That is so salty.”

My husband frowned. “Really? Maybe it was just that part?”

From the opposite end of my steak, I took another bite. “Golly.” I sputtered. I tried the potatoes. “Yuck. I can’t eat this. It’s terrible.”

Not believing me, David took a small bite of my meal. “Oh,” his face crunched up, “you’re right.” After taking a drink, he motioned for our server and explained our problem. Soon a manager came to our table and offered me a different meal.

“I don’t want anything now.” Shaking my head with a shudder.

The salt had overwhelmed my senses. I didn’t feel hungry anymore. They comped our meal and to this day, I’ve never eaten at that restaurant chain again. That experience soured me on that place and the dish. It’s been over thirty years, and I’ve not ordered chicken fried steak.

Too salty.

Jesus told His followers that we are to be salt and light to the world. I want to caution us that salt needs to be doled out in the proper amount—seasoned with salt not drenched in it.   

Our words need to be seasoned with salt by speaking truth in love. Eph. 4:15. As salt has healing properties, our words need to bring healing to the listener. Prov. 16:24 says, Kind words are like honey—sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

Salt is used for seasoning, preservation, cleaning, and healing. In other words, salt can be impactful and beneficial.

But like with my meal it can be overdone. When we share the gospel, we need to do so with kindness and love, using gracious words and actions. We could come out too strong and make that person shy away or leave and never come back.

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus tells us to be salt and light to the world. We are to shine our light which is His light in us to everyone. We are to be that bacon, drawing people to Jesus. Not only with our words but our actions should also shine forth. Our deeds should show the love of Jesus. We need to glorify our Father in Heaven. Matthew 5:16

So, sprinkle salt of God’s word and shine forth God’s glory to the world. Are you salty in just the right amount? Do you reflect God’s glory?