The late 1930’s and early 40’s were dark days in London, England. Enemy bombers dropped their deadly cargo nearly every night, and citizens were careful to hide the lights in their houses. Crowded together in underground shelters made for a “dark” experience – literally. Turning on a light could guide the bombers to their homes.
“…the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is as darkness; they know not at what they stumble. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.”
Proverbs 4:18-21.
When Jesus described the impact His disciples should have on the world, He used two of the most pervasive, most potent elements of their day – and ours – salt and light. To read further in the scripture we see the degree of their impact on society. In Acts 17:6 they are said to have “turned the world upside down,” and in Acts 5:28 their enemies accused them of having “filled Jerusalem with your doctrine.” They were truly salt and light – they had made a difference in the lives of those who heard them.
What does this mean to all of us today, those who are part of Christ’s church, who are truly “disciples,” followers of Christ, those who have learned how to live? It means that if we are to follow in His steps, 1 Peter 2:21, that we will have to be willing to stand out in the crowd.
Some are tempted to be “secret disciples,” whose allegiance to Jesus is not easily discerned, not obvious to others. But – one whose “way” is “secret” is no disciple. Consider some of the qualities possessed by salt and light.
SALT AND ITS PROPERTIES
It’s hard to hide the presence of salt in a bowl of beans. If it is not there, the beans are so bland that no one wants them. On the other hand, if the salt is too strong, calls attention to itself, that is not desirable either. Salt must provide flavor, but must not overwhelm.
Jesus’ disciples will add flavor and joy to their own and the lives of others. Their influence will be positive, will bless others who know them. They will neither look for nor expect commendation or being exalted by them – they want Christ to be exalted.
They will not be fearful to be numbered with those who exalt Christ, even if an entire community turns against them. During such difficult times many chose to be Jesus' associates, His disciples – and they stayed with Him.
LIGHT AND ITS PROPERTIES
Salt and light – so much alike, but also so different. Light is equally pervasive. Paul wrote to Christians in Philippi, a city much like others in the 1st century, filled with men and women who were “crooked and perverse,” but also other men and women who loved God and served Christ. What did he tell them?
“That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world,” Philippians 2:15.
While their peers sought the life of abandonment, Christians were to live among them, but their influence would be like light “shining” in the darkness.
When light serves well, it focuses attention upon the object of discussion, not upon self. When light shines in our eyes it does us no favor. Light must shine upon the way ahead, on the task before us. It reveals, not conceals.
Yes, it reveals flaws, dispels darkness, warns of danger as did the lighthouses of old and airport lights today.
But it must be consistent. The light that flickers on and off merely distracts rather than helps, and the light that is hid is useless to itself and to everyone else.
Those Londoners of nearly 70 years ago should be respected for their courage and perseverance. Our peers will respect us if we “shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.” Respected or not, we must be true, dependable disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ.
