“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Matthew 5:13-14

This afternoon I read a question posed by a pastor – “Can the Church save the world?”

First, I think we all recognize that it is God and not mankind who provides salvation, but I think he also intentionally raised a good point because of the words of Christ in the verses above. God uses us to influence the world around us and point others toward God.

Consider these verses –

““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

Last week I had dinner with a man who salted his food before even tasting what he ordered. Saltiness is good and it is noticed, isn’t it? Salt also preserves and we know that Biblical values need to be preserved in our culture.

We are the light in the world around us. We know light chases away darkness and so shouldn’t we faithfully shine the light?

What is the cost if we fail to be the people God has called us to be?