Pastor's Pen
July/August 2003

a.  Salt – verses 13
b.  Light – verse 14
c.  To your house – verse 15
d.  To the world – verse 16

(Mat 5:13) Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

"Salt" in the Word of God speaks of sincerity and truth (Col. 4:6). Salt also speaks of preservation. For most of man’s history, salt was the only preservative. Jesus likens His people to salt. We are God’s witness upon the earth. Our presence is intended to keep the world from going corrupt. God’s people are to be "distinctively different" in order that we might convict the world of sin and righteousness.

But, when salt loses it flavor, or its pungency, it no longer serves any practical purpose – it might as well be cast into the street. When God’s people lose their witness – when our distinction is gone, when the world can’t tell us from their own – then we are no longer of any service to the kingdom!

(Mat 5:14) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

In this passage Jesus likens his people unto light. It is interesting that the Word of God categorizes people into two groups (no middle ground). For example, St. Paul says, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light…" (Eph 5:8). Again, the thought is that God’s people are to be distinctively different from the world. The world is in darkness and we are commissioned to illuminate that darkness.

In the book of Philippians we read: "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life" (Phil 2:15-16). The whole thought being conveyed here is that the world is twisted, but we must be the examples to the world through our life, and by holding forth the Word. God’s word is light!

If we are true witnesses then our witness should be as visible as a city that sets upon a hill!

(Mat 5:15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

In the first part of this sermon, Jesus gives us a picture of what we are to be. Now the emphasis is that we maintain that witness. Men do not light a candle to hide it under a bushel, but that it might give light to all that are in the house. The first priority is to our own house – which may be the most difficult place to be a witness.

So often, Christians seem more concerned with witnessing in some other place. We must first witness to our family and friends. In some societies that could mean total rejection! We want to see our greater family (relatives) saved. Sometimes a letter or a card helps you to share your faith.

After Jesus saved the demoniac he said: "Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." (Mark 5:19) That man’s witness later had a tremendous affect around the area of Decapolis.

(Mat 5:16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Lastly, our lives must be a witness to all men – through our example! The word "good" is in relation to good character and virtue. Our everyday lifestyle should speak. Our (unpremeditated) actions should speak to all!

The pilgrims from England spent a number of years in Holland before coming to the "New World." Their actions and good character had such a positive influence in the Netherlands, that the Dutch government pleaded with the pilgrims not to leave. They even offered free tracts of land and many other benefits in hopes of retaining them in their country.

The Lord was glorified through their Christian behavior!