Salt & Light

Date: 27 May 2007
Speaker: Pastor Kong Hee
Venue: City Harvest Church

Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Salt and light represents our influence for good in the world.

Salt preserves. Salt purifies. Salt heals. Salt flavors. Salt melts ice. Salt gives energy. Salt creates thirst.

To be effective, the salt must retain its saltiness. The only way salt (sodium chloride) can lose its property, is when it gets contaminated by impurities.

There will always be difference between believers and unbelievers. The moment we become indistinguishable in our value system, it means that we have compromised and lost the power to influence.

Light illuminates. Light promotes life. Light awakens us from sleep. Light provides vision. Light is persistent. Light attracts. Light solves problems.

How do we shine in the world?

As prophets. We are to reveal to the world the talents, gifts and abilites that God has given each of us; For His glory.

As priests. We are to serve all mankind in society; By elevating their self-esteem, by enhancing their quality of life, by captivating all mankind with joy and delight.

As kings. We are to handle culture in a leadership role that brings the kingdom of God into our world. The power to lead, is the power to validate norms.

Engaging culture is not seeking the approval of that culture. Seeking approval will usually end up in compromise.

The message is sacred, but the method is not.