Salt and Light, by Sharon Jaynes

Salt has three primary purposes. It preserves, heals, and gives flavor.  As Christians, one of our privileges is to preserve what is right and good in the world in which we live.  Satan is referred to as a roaring lion.  He prowls around seeking to rip Judeo-Christian values from the government, public schools, entertainment industry, and the very fabric of life.  Christians, on the other hand, serve to preserve the values of our godly heritage. 

Salt is also an effective healing agent. Gargling with salt water helps heal a sore throat, swimming in a salty sea helps heal a skinned knee, and fellowshipping with "salty" Christians helps heal wounded souls by introducing them to spiritual, mental and physical wellness afforded them through a relationship with Jehovah Rapha - the One who heals.

The most common use of salt is to add flavor, and as Christians, we add flavor to our world.  A gourmet cook once told me that salt not only gives food the salty flavor, but it also brings out the natural flavor of the food to which it is added.  As Christians, we should bring out the best in other people as well.

You are the light of the world. Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth."  He also said, "You are the light of the world."

For eighteen years, I worked as a Dental Hygienist.  Fourteen of those years I worked with my husband, Steve, and four to six other Christian women.  When I think back on those days, I see our team as a chandelier of light: individual yet united to shine the light of Christ to our patients. In the reception room, Newsweek, Southern Living, and Better Homes and Gardens were mixed in with Focus on the Family, Guidepost, and Decision magazines.