Salt and Light

      As I said in an earlier post, I have been journaling through the Sermon on the Mount.  Through this tool, the Lord is expanding my understanding of the scripture and making it much more exciting and applicable to my life.  An example:

      My journal entry for 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? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
   “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
     After picturing myself sitting with Jesus on the hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee as He was teaching His disciples, I read the above passage in Matthew,  and then asked, "How can I better be salt and light to those in my sphere of influence?" I began writing the thoughts that came to mind.
     You are the salt of the earth.  If you do not flavor and preserve all that you come in contact with, what good are you?  You are the light of the world because I am the light of the world and I live in you, let your light shine so that they may see your good works and glorify the Father.
    How can I better do this, Lord?
    You can be conscious of this assignment so that you are not hesitant to be salt or light when the situation arises.  Salt is a flavoring and a preservative; light illumines darkness.  You need to be aware of which is needed in each situation you find yourself.  You can add flavor to conversation.  You can preserve my values.  And you can shed light on wrong ideas.  Be alert.  Be sensitive.  Don't try to be light when you need to be salt.  Sometimes--even though the person is in darkness--what they are needing is encouragement to see they are valuable, to help them continue to hope.
     Lord Jesus, make me wise.  I see why you were so pleased with Solomon because he asked for wisdom.  I can know all these things, but if I don't know how and when to apply them, they are of no use...

    Journaling this passage gave me new insight on what it means to be salt & light.  They are two entirely different things and are needed in different circumstances.  New insight like this is one reason I love journaling so much!  I hope you, too, are discovering its' benefits.