*Living as Salt and Light in the World

*Theme: “The Transformative Presence of Faith”

By Apostle Jean Mulovery 

APGCI CHURCH

*How believers are called to be agents of preservation, healing, and illumination in a world that desperately needs both seasoning and light.*



*Scripture Foundation

> “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world.

A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”



> **Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)**



*The Dual Nature of Our Calling

*Salt: The Preserving and Seasoning Agent

**What Salt Does:**

– **Preserves** – prevents decay and corruption
– **Seasons** – adds flavor and enhances taste
– **Heals** – has antiseptic properties
– **Penetrates** – works from within to transform

**What This Means for Us:**

We are called to be a preserving influence in our communities, preventing moral decay through our presence and actions. Like salt, we should enhance the “flavor” of life around us, bringing joy, hope, and meaning to situations that might otherwise be bland or bitter.

*Light: The Illuminating and Guiding Force

**What Light Does:**

– **Reveals** – exposes what was hidden in darkness
– **Guides** – provides direction and safety
– **Warns** – shows dangers and obstacles
– **Welcomes** – creates warmth and invitation

**What This Means for Us:**

We are called to illuminate truth in a world often confused by deception. Our lives should serve as beacons that guide others toward hope, safety, and ultimately toward God.



     *The Danger of Losing Our Distinctiveness

      *When Salt Loses Its Saltiness


– We become indistinguishable from the world around us
– Our preserving influence is lost
– We become “good for nothing” in terms of our calling
– We risk being “trampled underfoot” – losing our respect and influence

      *When Light Is Hidden


– We fail to fulfill our purpose
– Others remain in darkness unnecessarily
– Our potential impact is wasted
– We become self-serving rather than others-serving


     *Practical Applications

       *Being Salt in Daily Life


1. **At Work**: Maintain integrity even when others cut corners
2. **In Relationships**: Offer forgiveness and healing where there’s bitterness
3. **In Community**: Stand for justice and truth with grace
4. **In Conversation**: Season your words with wisdom and kindness
 
     *Being Light in Daily Life

1. **In Darkness**: Offer hope to those who are discouraged
2. **In Confusion**: Provide clarity through biblical wisdom
3. **In Conflict**: Bring peace and understanding
4. **In Celebration**: Point others toward the source of all good things



          *Living the Balance

         *The Tension We Navigate

– Being **IN** the world but not **OF** the world
– Maintaining **distinctiveness** while building **relationships**
– Speaking **truth** with **love**
– Being **bold** yet **humble**

         *The Ultimate Goal

Our salt-and-light living should ultimately point people not to ourselves, but to our “Father in heaven.” Every good deed, every preserving influence, every illuminating word should make people wonder about the God we serve.



   *Questions for Reflection

1. In what areas of your life do you feel you’re effectively being “salt” – preserving and enhancing?

2. Where might you be hiding your “light under a bowl” instead of letting it shine?

3. How can you maintain your distinctiveness as a believer while still connecting meaningfully with those who don’t share your faith?

4. What specific steps can you take this week to be more intentional about your salt-and-light calling?


*Closing Thought

Being salt and light isn’t about being perfect or putting on a religious show. It’s about living authentically as people transformed by God’s grace, allowing that transformation to naturally influence and bless the world around us. When we do this well, people don’t just see our good deeds – they see and glorify our Father in heaven.

Apostolic Power of God Church International Ministries (  APGCI CHURCH)