Preserving and Illuminating

​Metaphors are powerful.  Jesus loved to use them.  He talked of cities on hills, vines and branches, and the powerful fire and water metaphors about the Holy Spirit.  Another metaphor Jesus used was salt and light.  He used it to refer to us.  Believers have a 24/7 privilege to show the light of God's love to an unbelieving world. Salt was known for its preservative qualities.  Believers are also a preserving influence in society.  Because you and I bring the presence of God wherever we go, we are doing His will and helping Him achieve His purposes on the earth. Consider the words of Jesus. Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV) 13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 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. The twofold activity of the Christian, salt and light.  Praise God!