“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV)
I remember watching a video where the late and famed Apologist and Teacher, Ravi Zacharias, was answering questions at an American University. In his response to a particular question, he highlighted a point of philosophy that coincided well with the Biblical narrative. His point surrounded the concept of “the four questions of life“. The idea was that, no matter the circumstance or scenario, all human beings would find themselves asking these four questions. These are the questions of (1) Origin, (2) Purpose, (3) Morality, and (4) Destiny.
Every person, at some point in time, asks these questions of him or herself and of everything and even everyone around them. In terms of Origin, you may inquire of where you come from. In terms of Purpose, you may desire to know why you were made, why you’re here, and what the overall reason is for your existence. In terms of Morality, you may question continually what is right and what is wrong; what is good and what is evil. In terms of Destiny, you would have inquired about your future and what would happen to you when you die.
We ask these primary questions because (1) we would actually be generally concerned, (2) generally inquisitive, and (3) very passionate about not wasting our lives away. It is something that we can take for granted many times but wasting one’s time and life away is a tremendous tragedy. We have a purpose and are so filled with God-given potential, talent, gifts, and abilities, yet many of us don’t even realize it. Because of this lack of realization, or even a reluctance to embrace true realization, we tend to short-change ourselves.
Jesus gives an amazing revelation during the Sermon on the Mount. It is a revelation for the people of God and for those whom God is calling into His Kingdom. He uses an interesting piece of imagery of salt and light to describe his servants. We are described as salt and light, but not just merely salt and light; we are THE SALT of the EARTH and the LIGHT of the WORLD.
We have a God-given ability to give flavor and bring illumination to everything and everyone around us. It is a highly esteemed outlook on beings that were born in sin. Jesus then shows us that such an ability is also a responsibility. These days a healthy self-esteem is like the purest of gold which is located deep in the crevices of the Earth’s rocky crust – very hard to find. But Jesus goes beyond just building up self-esteems. He brings revelation to our purpose and a God-given nature. He shows us what a life of meaning truly looks like, and also shows us God’s deep desire to see us live such lives.
#1 A life of Meaning is a life of Revelation
Jesus tells us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We are seen as people who add taste, preservation, and illumination to the world around us. Receiving revelation from God Himself is so important.
“For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.“
1 Corinthians 1:21
The Gospel message can seem very simple and even foolish. Jesus telling us that we are salt and light can seem like an awkward and even foolish comparison. It can seem as something that simply does not make sense. But through such seeming foolishness, God desires to save those who believe. His revelation seeks to bring salvation and also meaning.
Such a revelation is meant to help you to understand who you are, your role, and your overall purpose and importance. You have so much value in the eyes of God. He doesn’t see you as mere flesh and bones occupying earth. He sees you as and desires for you to be part of the solution; to add flavor, preservation, and illumination.
#2 A life of Meaning is a life of Responsibility
In revealing to us that we are salt and light, Christ highlights the responsibility associated with such a revelation.
Within our main passage of scripture, he addresses three key points of a life of responsibility.
- Understand your Identity and guard your Character
Know that you are salt and light and live knowing that such a revelation is the truth. That is understanding your identity. Of course, such a revelation and understanding should also lead you to guard your Character. Jesus warns against ‘salt losing flavor’ and ‘light being hidden’. None of us desire salt or light that is useless. Therefore, even if you are salt, light, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people, you need to guard your character.
- Understanding your Positioning
We are cities set on hills with burning fire as light to all around. Jesus didn’t place us at heights to debase others but to help them. You being positioned on the hill or mountain peaks shows that you have a responsibility to illuminate others, especially those who might be struggling in the valleys and darkness nearby.
- Understand your Vertical and Horizontal responsibility
Your vertical role is your responsibility to God. He called you and gave you a certain nature and purpose. Therefore your responsibility is to be obedient. Your horizontal role is your responsibility to people. Your responsibility is to be salt and light in their lives. Add flavor to the tasteless situations. Don’t contribute to the staleness. Add preservation to what is good and righteous. Don’t contribute to the spoilage. Add illumination. Don’t add to the darkness.
#3 A life of Meaning is a life that is Radical
Jesus says that you must ‘let your light shine before others’. That is a bold and radical thing to say. Usually, we would want our light to shine magically without putting in any effort. We expect the light to shine and that it will do all the work for us. We can walk around and do nothing, just expecting to do everything God is telling us to do while giving the minimum amount of effort.
However, Jesus says to LET your light shine. Your light shining depends on you. You have to live a life so radical for Christ that you allow your light to shine continually. Letting it shine takes a conscious, radical effort and dependence on Christ Himself.
The same goes for the salt. We must be radical enough to ensure that we don’t lose flavor. We cannot afford to lose flavor and to be trodden down, especially in times like these.
God desires and expects us to be radical. He says that ‘without faith it is impossible to please Him’. Then He also says that ‘faith without works is dead’. We must radically believe and radically act on that belief.
Conclusion
Revelation, Responsibility, Radical; the components of a life of meaning. For those who are satisfied with where you are, they would seem as things you want to have nothing to do with. But for those who are tired, fed up, and wanting more, Christ is saying that this is the way. There is a life with meaning, a life of ultimate impact in this world and eternal assurance in the world to come. Are you ready to live a life of meaning?
Beacon Of Flavor 
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