Salt and Light

Embracing our Divine Calling

When I graduated from public school in Grade 8, I was honored with the Salt of the Earth Award. At the time, I had no idea what that truly meant. In fact, I spent a long time thinking it was just a “leftover” award, given out after all the “good” ones had been handed out. Little did I know, it would come to symbolize something far more meaningful as I grew older.

Working on The Word For You Today brings me so much joy, not just as a graphic designer, but also as someone who is new to Faith. Each day, I discover little nuggets of wisdom and insight that gently help to grow my faith. Recently, I came across this entry:

You are called to be salt and light

“You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:13-14 NKJV

“Jesus gave us two everyday metaphors so that we could clearly understand how He wants us to serve and represent Him each day.”

Surprisingly, I just wrote a blog about trusting God's timing and using March as a metaphor for the “in-between” moments of life. These are the times when we’re not quite where we used to be but haven’t yet reached where we’re going. Rather than seeing March as a dull waiting period, we can choose to embrace it as a time of preparation. Jeremiah 29:11 assures us that God has a plan for our lives, one of hope and prosperity, even when we can’t yet see it. His plan is for our good, promising a future filled with hope and no harm. 

Isn't it wonderful how He sees us and touches our lives? 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Now, let’s get back to The Word For You Today and how it speaks to the Salt of the Earth Award I received while in grade school:

“You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world.”

“Let’s look at each of them.

(1) Salt. The only thing that can threaten salt is sitting in a shaker so long that it gets damp, loses its flavour, and can’t be sprinkled. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (v. 13 NKJV). The word flavour means to enrich. It’s not enough to enjoy good preaching and rich insights from your Bible reading; you’re called to share and sprinkle them on others.

(2) Light. Instead of isolating yourself from the world, you’re supposed to illuminate it. Darkness is not a threat to light; it’s where the light does its best work. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (vv. 14-16 NKJV). The word gospel means “the good news.” In a world of increasing despair, you are called to bring the light of the gospel to those living in spiritual darkness. So the word for you today is – be salt and light.”

The Salt of the Earth Award may have felt unclear to me at first, but now I see it as a beautiful reminder of our calling to be salt and light in the world. Through The Word For You Today I’ve learned that each day offers opportunities to grow in faith, to live with purpose, and to make a positive impact on others. Being part of the UCB Radio family has further reinforced this mission, and I'm proud to be part of a team, His team, that strives to be both salt and light in a world that so desperately needs it. Let’s continue to embrace our own unique calling, trusting that God’s plan for us is full of hope and a bright future.