Salt and Light: Embracing our Divine Calling

When I graduated from public school in Grade 8, I received the Salt of the Earth Award. At the time, I didn’t understand what it meant. For a long while, I assumed the school had simply given me a “leftover” award after handing out all the “good” ones. Years later, however, the meaning behind it began to grow clearer and far more meaningful.

Working on The Word For You Today brings me real joy—not only as a graphic designer, but also as someone who is still new to faith. Each day I come across small nuggets of wisdom and insight that gently help my faith grow. Recently, I read 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 used two everyday metaphors so that we could clearly understand how He wants us to serve and represent Him each day.”

Interestingly, I had just written a blog about trusting God’s timing and used March as a metaphor for the “in-between” moments of life. These are the times when we no longer stand where we once were but haven’t yet arrived where we’re going. Instead of treating March like a dull waiting period, we can choose to see it as a season of preparation. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has a plan for our lives—a plan filled with hope and prosperity, even when we can’t yet see the outcome. His plans are for our good and promise a hopeful future.

Isn’t it wonderful how He sees us and works in 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 return to The Word For You Today and the message that connects so beautifully with the Salt of the Earth Award I received in grade school:

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

 

Salt and Light

“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.”

 

Takeaways

At first, I didn’t fully understand the Salt of the Earth Award. Now, however, 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 have learned that each day brings new opportunities to grow in faith, live with purpose, and positively impact others.

Being part of the UCB Radio family strengthens that mission. I feel proud to serve on a team—His team—that works to be both salt and light in a world that needs it so much. Let’s continue to embrace our unique calling and trust that God’s plan for us holds hope and a bright future.