In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:

“You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)

It’s easy to remember that identity when we’re at church or serving in a ministry—but Jesus wasn’t talking about our role only inside the walls of the church. He meant wherever we are: at the doctor’s office, in the checkout line, sitting in traffic, or scrolling social media.

Salt is an everyday substance—but its impact is powerful and disproportionate to its size. Salt preserves and prevents decay. In a world bent toward moral and spiritual corruption, Jesus calls us to be people who uphold truth, righteousness, and godly values. That happens not just in how we speak the truth, but in how we live—bringing integrity, kindness, and grace into spaces where they’re often lacking.

Being salt also means being distinct. In the ancient world, salt could lose its usefulness—not because its chemical nature changed, but because it became contaminated. It got mixed with dirt or impurities until no one could tell what was salt and what wasn’t. When that happened, it was thrown out—not because it was “evil,” but because it was useless.

The same can happen to us when we stop living thoughtfully and biblically. We can slip so easily into patterns of thinking, speaking, and acting that mirror the culture around us—without even noticing. And when we become indistinguishable from the world, we lose our saltiness. We lose our purpose.

Jesus warns that living faithfully as salt will sometimes lead to persecution. Peter reminds us that when we no longer join the world in its ways, people won’t understand—and they may even resent us for it (1 Peter 4:3-4). But that’s part of what it means to follow Christ: we’re not here to blend in—we’re here to preserve, to flavor, and to shine.

So, what does it look like to be salt and light this week?

It means not defaulting to impatience, rudeness, or judgment in moments of inconvenience.

It means resisting the temptation to mirror the anger and outrage so common in politics and online spaces.

It means living the considered life—pausing to ask how your choices, words, and attitudes reflect Christ.

It means seeing your daily routines as opportunities to drip grace, kindness, and truth—even when the world squeezes you.

Remember: people can waste your time, but you have eternity waiting for you. They can treat you unfairly, but your reward is secure. They can threaten what’s temporary, but they cannot touch your true citizenship in the Kingdom of God.

Let your kindness and distinctiveness point people to Christ. Notice people, care for them, and Know Their Story—so that someday, you might get the chance to share His Story too.