Scripture
Matthew 5:13-16 NLT
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Devotion
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13–14)
These aren’t just suggestions — they’re declarations of identity. As followers of Christ, we’re not trying to be salt and light — we already are. The real question is: are we living in a way that brings flavour and brightness to a world that’s desperate for both?
In a world full of noise, darkness and confusion, this image is powerful. Salt heals, preserves and adds flavour. It fights off decay. It enhances everything it touches. Light breaks through shadows. It shows the way. It reveals what’s hidden.
And this is exactly what Jesus calls you to be — not by striving, but by living as who He’s already made you to be. Jesus calls us to stand out — not by being louder, but by being clearer. Not to dominate, but to influence our world with integrity and love.
He didn’t say we might become light if we mature enough. He said we are light — right now. But a light hidden under a bowl is useless. And salt that’s lost its distinctiveness just blends in — and loses its power.
To live as salt and light means embracing your difference, not hiding it. It means living from the inside out, with Christ’s life shining through you.
A few years ago, I worked in an environment where negativity was the norm. Gossip spread quickly. People clocked in and out with little joy. Kindness felt rare. I wasn’t the loudest in the room, and I definitely didn’t hold a high-ranking role. But I sensed God asking me to just be different — to show up on time, work with excellence, listen well, and walk with integrity. It felt small. Often unseen. But over time, people started to notice.
A colleague pulled me aside and said, “I don’t know how you achieved this — you barely have any experience.”
Another told me my attitude helped them through a really difficult season in life, when they were close to quitting.
Within six months, I’d been promoted and offered leadership positions — and four of my colleagues came to church for the first time in their lives. I didn’t preach a sermon. I didn’t always have the perfect words. But I realised that by refusing to gossip, encouraging others freely, and doing my work with excellence, I was bringing flavour and light into a space that had lost both.
That’s what salt does. That’s what light does. It quietly changes the environment — without needing applause. And that’s exactly what Jesus meant: even in ordinary places like our workplaces, when we live with Him inside us, we carry a different spirit and presence.
Prayer
God, I ask that You would give me opportunities to be the salt and light of this world. Help me to be bold, and show me the keys to bring impact and influence in my workplace.
Amen.
More post from Section 4: Living "Out"
See More