Scripture to Read:  Matthew 5:13-16

Missionary Graham Staines’ spent 35 years of his life following the Great Commission and Great Commandment in India. During those years, he didn’t always receive compliments from people -- in fact, some were skeptical of his intentions, and others hated him. But one thing was indisputable; Staines’ life stood out.

The journalist in the film set out to prove Staines was a fraud. What he found, instead, was a man who had made the world a better place because he expressed selfless love to all people. In Luke 5:13-16, Jesus used two metaphors to describe that kind of person -- salt and light.

Salt has many uses. Today we most often use salt to preserve food or add flavor to a dish. Yet in the Old Testament, salt was used as a purifying agent (see Ex. 30:35; Lv. 2:13; 2 Ki. 2:21). As the salt of the earth, Jesus’ disciples are to purify a corrupt world through their example of righteous living and their proclamation of the gospel.

Light exists mainly so other things can be seen. Thus the good works of believers shine before men so others receive a blessing. This indicates that Jesus’ disciples are to carry salvation to the ends of the earth. A disciple should no more conceal his righteousness or the gospel message than a glowing city should douse its light at night.

TALK IT OVER

1. How do you fulfill your calling as “salt” to the people around you? How has your “saltiness” been received by others?
2. Is the light of your life more like a flickering candle, a steady campfire, or a blazing furnace? How can you add fuel to the fire?
3. As the salt and light of the world, we can bring truth, joy, and love to those around us. What do people in your life need most right now?