Choosing the Opposite: The Way of Jesus in the Sermon on the MountSample

Day 2: Distinctive Instead of Divisive

From the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus called men and women to follow Him. His intention has always been to carry out His mission in this world through His disciples.

Rather than saying, “I am the salt,” Jesus says, “You are the salt!”

Rather than saying, “I am the light,” Jesus says, “You are the light!”

Both metaphors, salt and light, describe objects whose purpose is to have a positive impact on something else.

In Jesus’ day, salt’s main function was to preserve food, to keep it from going bad. Christians are to be the salt of the earth, to keep the Earth from going bad. We are to bring a positive flavor to every conversation, every relationship, every interaction.

We are also to be light in what is often a very dark world. Just a small ray can dispel an expansive darkness. We are to help those who are struggling and hurting, and stumbling around in the darkness, find their way. Jesus encourages us to carry out good works that will point people back to God.

We are to be distinctive, demonstrating the kindness, goodness, and mercy of God in a world desperate for good news.

And yet, there is a warning from Jesus in this passage. We can easily diminish our influence by losing our distinctiveness. It happens when we choose to speak and act just like everyone else.

In the middle of a cultural moment that’s defined by polarization and division, this passage challenges us to ask ourselves: Are we living in a way that is distinctive? Or are we joining in the divisiveness that is fracturing relationships, communities, and even churches?

What if, rather than seeking to win all the arguments, we determine to move forward as salt and light? What might happen?

I believe the world around us would start to say, “Whoa, something tastes different here, something looks different here.”

And they would “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8)

For as we live as the salt of the earth, as we shine as the light of the world, Jesus is the one who will become known. He is the one who will be lifted up. And when that happens, the world begins to change.

Reflection: How can you bring a positive flavor to conversations, relationships, and interactions today? Where is God calling you to be his light?