Become a Light to the World

Have you ever started a new job where nobody gave you a clear job description? You show up ready to work, but you have no idea what you're actually supposed to be doing. It’s confusing, and you probably spend most of your time just trying to look busy. We all crave purpose, and we want to know what our “job” is here on earth. The good news is that God doesn't leave us guessing. He gives every Christian a special role and a divine job description — and it’s not about blending in or staying quiet.

In his most famous sermon, Jesus gives us two powerful images for this new job. First, he calls us “the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13). Salt’s whole purpose is to bring flavor and preservation. If we, as Christians, lose our distinctiveness and completely blend in, Jesus says we become as useless as flavorless salt. Then, he says we’re “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14-16). You don't light a lamp just to hide it. The whole reason light shines in the dark is so people can see. He tells us to let our good works shine, not for our own glory, but so that others will see our actions and give glory back to our Father in heaven.