Christianity is more than just a set of beliefs, it is a way of life, a transformed life. It is faith translated into action, writes Pastor Ngatupuna Cork Tararo of the Ngatangiia AOG Church.

“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 by men. You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16/NIV)

The “Sermon on the Mount” is the longest recorded sermon that Jesus delivered. This series of teachings are found in the Gospel, according to Matthew chapters 5 through 7. Jesus opens up the sermon with the ‘Beatitudes’ in the first twelve verses of chapter 5 and then he transitions into the most challenging part of his teaching. These teachings are more than just principles for life; they are actually a way of life intended for those that follow Jesus Christ.

In Matthew chapter 5 verses 13 and 14, Jesus uses two metaphors (salt and light) to describe his true followers or the true citizens of God’s kingdom.

Why did Jesus choose salt and light to metaphorically describe his followers?

Before we can answer this question, it is important that we understand the use of salt in the Old Testament and how the Bible mentions light in its relation to some aspects of the divine.

It seems like Jesus purposefully chose these two metaphors because they are co-related in spiritual significance and by combining the two, it brings to the heart a dynamic, life-changing and a purpose driven message.

Christianity is more than just a set of beliefs, it is a way of life, a transformed life. It is faith translated into action.

Salt has multiple uses. In the Old Testament, it is used in covenant making and in peace offerings. In Leviticus 2:13, God commands that every grain offering be seasoned with salt. Salt is also used to preserve meat from decay. Salt enhances the flavour in any given dish. Jesus says, “…if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?”

Light on the other hand illuminates. In a spiritual sense, light speaks of purity, holiness, righteousness and truth. John says, “God is Light; in him there is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5). In John 8:12, Jesus referred to himself as the “…light of the world,” a life-giving light. Believers are called to walk in the light as God is in the light (1 John 1:7). According to Isaiah 42:6 and 49:6; Israel was God’s chosen beacon of light to the Gentiles. Their mission was to make the One True God known to the Gentiles. The church is given that same mandate to be light-givers to a world living in sin and darkness.

What is Jesus teaching us?

After examining the scriptures, we now understand the depth of Jesus teachings. Let us be the salt that brings peace and harmony to all men.

In Romans 12:18, Paul tells us to live at peace with all men. Jesus says in Mark 9:50 “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” In Colossians 4:6, Paul writes, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

As salt, be that flavour. As light, let it shine. Many times we hide. We are afraid to shine. We would rather hide our lamps than raise it high so that it may serve its purpose.

Jesus wants us to be useful and purposeful in God’s kingdom like salt that adds flavour and light that illuminates and eliminates darkness in the hearts of men. We are called to live a life that demonstrates Christs’ life in us. Jesus says, “…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Christians are called to live their faith in a culture where God had placed them.

The church is God’s agent of change in a world that is constantly changing.

Let us live our faith in a real and tangible way. Let others see our faith in demonstration.