OUR PRESENCE HELPS

 

September 4, 2025

Matthew 5:13–16

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? … You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”


Jesus describes his followers as people who are both salt and light.  That means, I believe, that every Christ follower has a "public" calling. I am sure you get what I am seeing in Jesus words, that our faith is not just about private prayer, Bible study, and Sunday worship times. I feel like Jesus is suggesting in our verses today that his followers will embrace his teachings deeply, and that their faith in him will overflow into the streets, schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and marketplaces in ways that challenge cultural norms.

These thoughts take us back to last week in which we were challenged by Abraham Kuyper's thoughts. Do you recall that Kuyper reminded us that faith should shape all of life, not just church life? I find in my reading of Kuyper being greatly challenged to consider what being visibly present in culture, and bringing God’s wisdom, justice, and beauty into all of life might look like. I think it is easy for followers of Jesus to "retreat" into a private spirituality, rather rather than living openly as a community that bears witness to Christ.

we know that salt was highly valued in Jesus' time for preserving food and enhancing its flavor. By comparison, Jesus calls his disciples to preserve the goodness in culture and highlight its God-given beauty. Light, on the other hand, Jesus reminds us serves to uncover what is hidden, exposing darkness and corruption while also illuminating a path of hope and truth into the future.

Contrary to what we witness so often today, living as salt and light doesn’t mean shouting our beliefs louder than others. It means living out Christ's humility, truth, and love, so that our presence helps create a society that is more just, compassionate, and filled with God's goodness.

In 19th-century Holland, Kuyper and a group of ordinary believers started Christian schools, not because they wanted to withdraw from culture, but because they wanted to shape it. They believed education should be rooted in God’s truth, forming children who could live faithfully in every area of society. 

I wonder, where is God guiding us to be "salt and light" today? Could it be in our workplace, neighborhood, friendships, or even through our online and social media presence? How can we live out our faith in a way that allows others to "taste and see" the goodness of God?

Let's Pray

Lord Jesus, You call me to be salt and light in the world. Forgive me for the times I hide my faith or let it grow bland. Give me courage to live publicly as Your follower, in how I work, how I speak, and how I love others. May my presence today bring flavor, healing, and light into the spaces You send me. Amen.