Summary
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (V.16)
There are two parts to the Kingdom on this earth: preserving and proclaiming. Jesus describes these two missions as salt and light. As salt, the people of Jesus must live in and amongst a dying world, doing what they can to connect it to the purposes set forth from creation. Jesus uses the life of His people in community to bring His shalom (peace) into a world that tends toward destruction. His people are preserving the world through daily influence. They must also proclaim a different end. The people of Jesus live for a completely different purpose than others. His people are a light in a dark world, bringing the counter-cultural message of the gospel to a world that needs saving. The people of the Kingdom must love the world enough to be a part of it, but they must love Jesus enough to risk their place in the world so that He might be made known. He is both the giver of salt and the source of light for His people.
Bible References
- Matthew 5:13 - 16
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