“Hey, Are You a Christian?”

Have you ever had a stranger ask you if you were a Christian? It happened once while we were camping. Another family was struggling with something (no can opener, no matches) ok, I really can’t remember, but that’s not the point. They ask if we were Christians. We found out they were also. Their reasoning was that we were “way too nice”. It’ nice to think that it shows now and then.

Lately at dinner our family has been binge watching cooking shows, most notably, Gordon Ramsey’s “Next Level Chef”. He can often be heard admonishing them to add more salt. A dish that is under seasoned is underwhelming.

The Bible tells us to be salt & light (Matthew 5:13-16). One way salt is used is as a preservative. It slows down spoilage. Have you ever had someone change how they are speaking because you walked up? Do they notice that your speech is always with grace seasoned with salt? (Colossians 4:6)

Salt also boosts natural flavors. God wants to speak through us. And yes, sometimes he want us to use words. Do your words and actions enhance what God is trying to say with our lives?

Our light can either be a warning, like a lighthouse, or a way of illumination like a flashlight. Do your life help warn others of the dangers of sin and the riches in Christ? Can people see things more clearly as they follow your walk with the Savior? It takes a little work but it pays great dividends. Matthew 5:47 admonishes us to go above and beyond the norm – to be different, in a good way. Here’s some way you could try to be salt and light.

1. Let someone else go first.

2. Find a way to help those who have nothing to give you in return.

3. Buy someone who is struggling a coffee, and then sit down and truly listen to them.

4. Pay it forward.

5. Give a kind word, a sincere compliment.

6. Pray for/with them.

7. Pick up trash that isn’t yours. (Be sure to wash your hands afterwards)

8. Find someone who’s homeless and take them hot soup.

9. Give smiles generously – they’re free after all.

10. Thank the janitor where you work. (Learn their name!)

Salt and Light - Let’s help flavor the world with God’s love for all to see!

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16 NIV