The SALT and LIGHT challenge

“Our Christian habit is to bewail the world's deteriorating standards with an air of rather self-righteous dismay. We criticize its violence, dishonesty, immorality, disregard for human life, and materialistic greed. "The world is going down the drain," we say with a shrug. But whose fault is it? Who is to blame?

Let me put it like this. If the house is dark when nightfall comes, there's no sense in blaming the house; this is what happens when the sun goes down. The question to ask is "where is the light?" Similarly, if the meat goes bad, there's no sense in blaming the meat; that's what happens when bacteria are left alone to breed. The question to ask is "where's the salt?"

Just so, if society deteriorates and its standards decline until it becomes like a dark night or a stinking fish, there is no sense in blaming society; that's what happens when fallen men and women are left to themselves, and human selfishness is unchecked. The question to ask is "where is the church?" Why are the salt and light of Jesus Christ not permeating and changing our society? It is sheer hypocrisy on our part to raise our eyebrows, shrug our shoulders, or wring our hands.

The Lord Jesus told us to be the world's salt and light. If therefore darkness and rottenness abound, it is largely our fault and we must accept the blame. “

- John Stott

If you’re at all interested in what my reaction was to that quote, it was, “Wow. Food for thought!” While we can debate on whether or not he’s laying blame in the right places and probably draw the conclusion that there’s a lot more to the picture he paints, it remains true that followers of Christ have a role to play as the salt & light that Jesus said we were (in Matthew 5:13 & 14).

The quote speaks volumes and probably has enough clout to be an article all on its own, but it challenged me so much that I couldn’t resist expounding on it.



I believe that just as salt makes thirsty, Christians can trigger a thirst in people’s lives that only Jesus can satisfy and just like salt is used to thaw icy roads, Christian lives can melt hearts that are hardened against the gospel. The responsibility to be influencers of the world may seem daunting, but one person at a time, one action at a time, the effect of Christian living can be felt, much like the effect of stirring salt into a pot of soup – and it’s the little things that make a big difference.

As we blend into a new season in the Kingdom, let’s purpose individually to take practical steps that will culminate in praise to our Father in Heaven, as men see our good deeds (Matt 5:16). Don’t decide to do nothing just because you can’t do everything. Stand out in whatever arena you find yourself. Be the one that goes above and beyond. Get in to work a bit early for a change, or at least make it in on time consistently. Become the guy that the boss can depend on to go the extra mile and colleagues can trust to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Don’t pilfer the other team’s milk in the communal fridge just because everyone else is doing it. Be polite. Desist from using foul language no matter the circumstances.

Break down pride and all those walls you’ve built up to prevent ‘unnecessary familiarity’. Open your eyes to the needs of others. Be the answer to somebody’s prayer; let people wonder what it is that makes you want to help when others look away. Never mind about sponsoring a dog, sponsor a child in Asia! And yes, we mustn’t forget the great commission (Matt 28:19 & 20), but let it always ride on the back of the great commandment (Matt 22:36 - 40). Your kindness will open up more doors to the gospel than your self-righteousness ever will.

Preach the gospel always; when necessary, use words. Jesus didn’t die on the cross to save us just so we could while away time till we get to Heaven. Who are you taking with you to Heaven? If we agree that the signs are pointing towards the fact that we’re in the last days, we should be consumed with a desire to take as many people with us. See what the Bible says in Romans 10:

13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” 14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?

Don’t put off telling that friend about Jesus. How come you’re so comfortable sharing everything else about life with him anyway? Learn to have your heart break for the things that break the heart of God. You may be that person’s only link to the gospel. Witness, witness, witness! Stick with the spirit of the gospel, but don’t be legalistic. We are free; exude the freedom that Christ died to give us (John 8:36).

While you’re at it, Christian brothers and sisters, show love for one another! That’s how Jesus said the world would know us as His disciples (John 13:34). Use kind words and as much as is within your power, remain at peace with all men (Romans 12:18). Apologise first. It wasn’t really your fault but apologise anyway. Stay humble. Try not to think of anyone as less important than you and your actions will reflect it. If you say you’re going to do something, do it! Let your word be your bond even as your heavenly Father’s word is His (Eph 5:1). Welcome ALL people into the house of God. Let your demeanour be such that even unbelievers feel comfortable enough to come in and satisfy their curiosity. The church is not exclusively for Christians and certainly not for perfect people; it’s for all types of people to come as they are. You never know whose life your smile might change. Make an effort to give unconditional love. When the church truly starts to emanate unconditional love, the world will be breaking down our doors to get in. So many people out there are hurting, but would never venture near a church for fear of judgement. Please do not be so judgmental that you fail to be compassionate. I know, I know, some people bring these things on themselves, but don’t let that be a barrier to meeting their material, emotional & spiritual needs. Jesus died for them too.

You are the light of the world. Your shine is hidden when you fail to act in line with the teachings of Jesus, shy away from standing up for the truth in discussions or don’t care for the needs of others. Resolve to let your light shine, no matter what it costs you. Be practical about it; when was the last time you reached out to that single mum that you know is going through a tough time or sowed a seed into the life of that guy that’s been out of work for a while? Like James said, faith without works is dead (James 2:14 - 19). Some people just need food to eat; there’s no point preaching at a man with an empty stomach. Cook once a month for the homeless and hand food packs out. Even if you have no substantial amount of money to give to charity, think of ways to raise funds. Hey, girl scouts sell cookies, people take part in sponsored runs and the 9-yr old boy that started ‘Hoops of Hope’ is well on his way to seeing the movement he began by shooting hoops, rake in a million dollars for charity; what can you do? More importantly, what WILL you do?

Anyway, whatever you decide to do, keep spreading the salt of love; God is love. Smile so much that someday, somebody wonders why you’re the epitome of happiness (and seize the cue to tell them about Jesus!). There are people everywhere who could do with a little love. Let them see the God in you. This, dear sisters and brothers, is my little salt & light challenge! My prayer is that you take it. In the words of the status on a friend’s BBM profile, “Somebody needs your light; so please, shine!”


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PS: Want to do something but don't know where to start? Incidentally, I'm a spokesperson for the Emmanuel Center Project and we NEED your help! Find out what it's all about. Click here!