The Church is Salt and Light

by Laura Springer, Th.M., Ph.D.

Relevant Scripture: Matthew 5:13–16

Does TFB want to make a difference? Do you?

The answer should be a resounding “YES! It's what we're made for!”

Jesus referred to this difference-making when he called the church “the salt of the earth...the light of the world" (Matt 5:13-16). We are those who salt and enlighten humanity. We are those who make a difference.

God has formed and called us to influence humanity toward his kingdom. As the community of God's people, we influence the world through words and actions that reflect and proclaim his glory and grace. We live and walk by the Spirit. We proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to all who will hear. This influence is not through special activities or planned programs, though these can be helpful. Rather, this influence takes place in the context of daily life.

Here's the bottom line: God's mission is our mission. If God did not have a mission, there would not be a church. God himself has determined that our participation, our work as salt and light, is mission-critical. Even more, he has decided upon the most extraordinary means for us to carry out this mission: the dailies of our lives and conversations. He has formed, called, and equipped the church to live and reign as his holy priesthood, declaring his goodness to others through our godly conduct and words of truth. 

By acting as salt and light, we influence our worlds with God's message. So, let us do the work of the dailies, reflecting God's glory and grace as we do so. Let us learn and keep learning the truth of God's word, especially the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Reflecting God in the dailies shows the world what Jesus is like.

Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ tells the world why that matters.

Let’s do this!