Understanding who you are in Christ can be a truly enlightening experience. The Bible’s teachings, especially those found in the Sermon on the Mount, help guide believers on this meaningful path of discovery. This section of scripture, found in Matthew 5:13-20, shares Jesus’ insights on what it means to live as Christians in a complicated world. Pastor Tim Murlatt often shares how these teachings resonate even today, encouraging us all to reflect on our spiritual journey and identity.
This piece of scripture invites us to think about our roles and responsibilities as followers of Jesus. To illustrate, it uses relatable symbols like salt and light to portray the influence and impact a Christian should have in their surroundings. These images go beyond simple metaphors. They offer concrete ways to interact with life, bring change, and strengthen the world around us. With Pastor Tim Murlatt’s guidance, we can explore these meaningful teachings to grow closer to Christ and better understand our purpose in His story.
You Are the Salt of the Earth
Jesus’ metaphor of Christians being the “salt of the earth” is powerful. Salt adds flavor and preserves food, and during biblical times, it was so valuable it was used like money. This tells us that a follower of Jesus brings value and influence wherever they are placed. But how do we live this out?
Being salt means we bring out the goodness around us. In a world that can sometimes feel heavy or uncertain, the way we interact with people matters. When we add kindness, patience, joy, and truth to our conversations and actions, we season our environment with something deeply good. Even small gestures can leave a lasting impact.
Here are everyday ways to live out the salt metaphor:
- Welcome someone into a conversation instead of leaving them out
- Offer to help someone without expecting praise in return
- Throw a kind word or compliment into someone’s day when they least expect it
Little actions like these bring out flavor and help preserve the love and connection that communities need. Just like food without salt can seem bland or incomplete, life without care and compassion feels lacking. By choosing to act with purpose, believers can enrich the settings they step into.
Be the Light of the World
Jesus also calls His followers the “light of the world.” This isn’t just about being seen. It’s about guiding others toward truth and hope, much like a lighthouse showing the way to ships at night. Your life, choices, and actions have the ability to shine in places where darkness or confusion might exist.
Think about the places you spend time—your job, your school, your neighborhood. Every one of those places offers an opportunity to brighten someone’s day or help them feel less alone. People notice when you choose humility, patience, and fairness, especially when it’s not easy.
Practical ways to shine your light include:
- Listening with patience instead of pushing to be right
- Showing compassion to someone who makes mistakes
- Making choices that speak truth, even if they go against the crowd
What you do consistently matters. Often, people are looking for direction, warmth, or reassurance. By living out the ways Jesus taught, you can guide others without even speaking a word. Simply showing love, keeping a steady attitude, and holding strong to your values can speak louder than anything else.
Maintaining Your Saltiness and Shine
Faith isn’t automatic. It requires attention and care to stay strong. Life throws distractions our way, and it’s easy to lose focus or feel worn down. But staying spiritually sharp matters. Without it, we risk becoming unrecognizable in our purpose, much like salt that has lost its flavor or a covered candle that can’t light a room.
So, how can you stay spiritually healthy and engaged?
- Spend regular moments in prayer or reflection, even if it’s just a few quiet minutes each day
- Stay connected to others who are on a similar spiritual path
- Pay attention to what really matters—family, growth, and being present
Your surroundings influence your spiritual health. So does what you choose to focus on each day. Staying committed to your values and making room for grace, even when life feels full, helps your impact remain clear and purposeful. When you keep centered on what matters most—truth, love, and service—you stay strong and ready to bring life and clarity to the world around you.
Carrying Purpose Into Every Day
Living out your faith isn’t reserved for Sunday mornings. It’s something that flows into daily life—how you treat others, how you handle setbacks, and how boldly you step into opportunities to help or serve.
The guidance from Matthew 5:13-20 encourages us to be different from the world around us not for the sake of being different, but to help restore what’s broken and nurture what is good. Whether you’re parenting, attending a meeting at work, texting a friend, or standing in line at the store, there are moments everywhere to bring love, encouragement, and truth.
As you move through the week, think about a few quick questions:
- Where can you be a little “saltier” in a helpful way?
- Where can your light shine brighter—not louder or bigger, just steadier?
- Are there habits that could be adjusted to better reflect your faith?
Reflecting on these small questions can lead to big change. And when you stay connected to a supportive, Christ-centered community, you build a stronger foundation for living boldly and faithfully. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being ready and willing to make a difference, one moment at a time.
When we understand who we are in Christ, and take that role seriously, we become part of something greater. Being salt and light means your presence matters to your family, friends, and the world you live in. So let that purpose shape your days, inspire your actions, and fill your life with meaning.
Embrace the teachings of salt and light by actively participating in our community and letting your faith shine brightly. Being part of a Christian community church in Surprise, AZ offers a welcoming space to grow spiritually, build meaningful relationships, and walk together in your journey with Christ. We invite you to discover how Radiant Church can come alongside you as you live out your faith with purpose and joy.