Matthew 5:13–14 (NKJV)
“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.
A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
🔑 BIG IDEA:
God doesn’t just call us not only to *believe* — He calls us to *influence*.
In a broken world full of confusion, chaos, and compromise, Jesus declares: **YOU are what the world needs.**
Jesus did not ask you to try to be salt and light. He said you are. That means whether you use it or not, what He placed inside of you is already powerful. The only question is, are you showing up with it? Let’s break it down.
Salt preserves, heals and awakens flavor that would otherwise stay hidden. But salt that stays in the shaker too long gets damp, stuck, and useless. Jesus said, “If the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men (Matthew 5v13 NKJV).
That’s not just a warning, it’s a call. You were never meant to stay stuck in the shaker. You were never meant to hoard revelation, keep truth to yourself, or stay safe in the pew. If the Word has enriched your life, it is time to sprinkle that flavor on somebody else… on your job, in your family, in your community, in your timeline. Let the flavor flow!
I. YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH 🧂
**(v.13)**
Salt in biblical times was valuable — it preserved, purified, and added flavor.
➤ Salt Preserves
* In a decaying world, Christians are called to preserve truth, justice, and righteousness.
* Our presence should keep spiritual and moral decay from spreading.
➤ Salt Heals
* Salt was used to clean wounds. Our words and actions should bring **healing**, not harm.
* Be a peacemaker, not a divider. Speak life, not destruction.
➤ Salt Adds Flavor
* Is your faith making people thirst for more of God?
* The world should notice a difference in how we love, serve, forgive, and live.
📍 *Challenge:*
Have I lost my “saltiness”?
Am I blending in too much that I’m no longer preserving or flavoring the culture?
II. YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD 💡
**(v.14)**
Jesus calls Himself the Light — and then tells us *we are too*.
Why? Because His light now shines through us.
Light does not panic in darkness, light knows what it is. Jesus said, “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden… they do not light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house” (Matthew 5:14–15 NKJV).
This world is growing darker, but that isn’t a reason to withdraw, that’s your cue to shine. Your light isn’t for private moments only; your light is for impact, visibility and influence. And hear this… your light is not about attention, it’s about direction. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16 NKJV).
➤ Light Exposes
* Light reveals truth. It uncovers lies.
* Let’s live lives of integrity, showing others the way out of darkness.
➤ Light Guides
* Think of a lighthouse — it helps ships navigate in storms.
* Your faith, your choices, your hope can guide someone back to Jesus.
➤ Light Comforts
* Light brings warmth, peace, and clarity.
* Be a calm, joyful, steady presence in an anxious world.
📍 *Challenge:*
Am I shining boldly or hiding my faith out of fear, comfort, or compromise?
III. A CITY ON A HILL CANNOT BE HIDDEN 🏙
* This is a call to **visibility**, not **perfection**.
* Don’t dim your light because you feel unworthy — let it shine because HE is worthy.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
– *Matt. 5:16*
🔄 APPLICATION:
* The world doesn’t need more opinions — it needs more people who **reflect Jesus**.
* Don’t just go to church — **be the church**. Don’t just consume the Word — **live it out**.
* In your family, school, work, or community:
**BE what the world needs.**
The goal isn’t applause, it’s glory. The gospel isn’t just good news to believe, it’s good news to carry. And in a world full of anxiety, division, and confusion, your salt and light still matters. So shake the salt, hold up the light and be what the world needs.
🙏 CLOSING PRAYER:
“Lord, help us not to blend in, but to stand out for Your glory. Make us salt that preserves and heals, and light that leads others to You. In every place You’ve planted us — help us be what the world needs. Amen.”
#BeALightInfluencer,
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#Matthew5:3-16,
