Matthew 5:16

“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.” (Matthew 5:16 ESV). This verse is found in a section of Scripture in which Jesus is teaching about us being salt and light. Salt is used to provide added flavor to food. We as salt are to add flavor or taste to life. Salt can also be used as a preservative.  Our presence should improve the quality of life of those around us and lead people to the savior.

Light is necessary to remove darkness so we can see better. As a lamp provides physical light we are to be the light of the world, but what does that mean? In 1 John 1:5, we learn that “God is light.” Jesus says in John 8:12 and 9:5: “I am the light of the world” and in Matthew 5:14, Jesus says we are the light of the world. According to our verse, this light people see is our good works, which are the works we do in obedience to God. These good works would include such things as our character, our conduct, our actions, and our spoken testimony. Paul speaks of this in Philippians 2:14 – 16a (ESV): “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life.” We are to help people see spiritual things more clearly.

It is important to note that we were not dim lights that became brighter, but we were once darkness that became light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8). We didn't just improve in character; we became a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17) when we were born spiritually. This light that we now have is not to be hidden, but seen as our witness to others about our Lord Jesus Christ. Through this witness, backed up by our works, people would desire to receive Jesus as their savior and give glory to our Father.

Prayer

Father, we need to be more dedicated to being the salt and light we are, not conforming to the ways of the world. Being salt and light tends to set us apart from the world as more righteous than they and may cause some to reject us, even causing some hurt. Father, we need to be willing to suffer as sheep among wolves to be effective salt and light. Provide us with wisdom and encouragement in this.