When my children were younger, like most parents, I was concerned with whom they associated with. Who were their friends in school and in the neighborhood? Parents want their children to be around those who are good influences, who help to influence them in good, moral behavior, not a friend who will lead them into wrong decisions and behavior. Parents also want their children to be a good influence for others, as well. Being a good influence doesn’t end once you become an adult. In our Scripture passage today, which continues Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, we read Jesus’ words to us of the type of influence He wants His followers to be in this world.
As our passage opens in verses 13-16, we read the familiar words of how believers are to be salt and light to others. The importance and use of salt by people goes back many thousands of years before Christ. One of the most well-known uses of salt is that of a flavoring. Without salt, many foods would be bland, and recipes would not work out well. Salt adds flavor and taste. Having a Christ-like character by our words and actions can flavor our witness to others. Before the days of refrigeration and use of canned goods, food was frequently dried and salted to preserve it. Without salt, meat and fish would need to be eaten right away. Salt would keep the putrefying effects on food away, and keep the meat safe to eat. As Christians, we should have that effect on the world, as well. Jesus wants our lifestyle to be an alternative to the corrupting ways of the world, and should point people to Jesus.
Salt impacts what it touches through chemical reactions. In the same way what we do to others should bring a positive impact. Try to give someone the right word at the right time. An act of kindness to a hurting soul goes a long way. Taking a stand for godliness may affect someone for Jesus. Salt also causes thirst. Does our life draw people to the Lord, or turn them away? Through both good days and bad ones, our life should bring a thirst for Jesus in the lives of the lost. If we fail to be salt to the lost, we are useless. We should not blend in with the unsaved.
Jesus told us that we should also be a light in this world (vs. 14-16). Our light shines best when we are not hidden. How do we hide our light? We hide it if we are quiet when we should speak up. Also when we go along with sin. Sin always dims our light. Our light is brightest when it is clean from sin (Luke 11:34). Lights warn of danger and guide to safety, which is what our life should do, directing people to Jesus (Ephesians 5:11-14). Christians should be known for their good and moral life and Biblical values (vs. 16).
As Jesus continues His message, He speaks about the validity of the Scriptures (vs. 17-18). We should not pick and choose what Bible verses we like, and reject the rest. Jesus affirmed the inerrancy and absolute authority of the Old Testament as the Word of God. All of God’s word is truth (Psalm 119:160), and all is inspired by Him (II Timothy 3:16-17).
In verse 19, Jesus is referring to those who are saved, or claim to be, not the obviously lost. These are those who, despite claiming to follow Jesus, still hold the Bible with little regard. Those who practice or teach disobedience to God’s Word are least in the Kingdom of Heaven. If we hold His Word in low esteem, God will hold us in low esteem. Those who keep and teach God’s Word will be great in God’s Kingdom.
As Jesus concludes this passage, He speaks of the Pharisees, who obeyed the Law outwardly. However, they did not allow God to change their heart and attitude. The quality of our goodness should be greater than the Pharisees. They looked holy, but were far from God’s kingdom. We are judged by our hearts, as well as our deeds. We should be just as concerned with our attitudes, which aren’t always seen, as with our deeds, which are seen.
As we have learned from Jesus’ teachings, we should live in a way that will draw others to the Lord, preserved for heaven. When others look at us, does what they see reflect well on God? We should live in a way that others will want to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).
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