Have you ever asked God: “What is my purpose?” or “What is my calling?”

Many times when we ask those questions, we are expecting to hear something like “YOU WILL BE A DOCTOR AND SAVE EVERYONE’S LIFE!” or “YOU WILL BE THE GREATEST MUSICIAN THERE EVER WAS!” and perhaps you will also be one of those things… but actually, Jesus already told us what our calling is:

“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

We are called to be SALT and LIGHT to those around us. This may seem cliché and to some, and quite honestly, this may seem like a let-down. But let me tell you why this is the most extraordinary thing you could ever be called to: Jesus called himself “the light of the world (John 8:12)” and then turned around and gave you the same calling. WOAH! Jesus Christ- you know the guy that died so that we could be reconciled with Him, the one that took on all our suffering, listens to and answers our prayers, became a servant to the ones that would nail through his skin and bones to kill him on a cross- that amazing King that loved us all despite all of that- He gave us the same calling as He Himself had: BE LIGHT!

And what about salt? Salt was used as a seasoning for food in the Bible, much like we use it today. It was also used to season sacrifices. Can you say “symbolism?!” Our whole lives are supposed to be a “living sacrifice,” seasoned to stand out among our peers as sons and daughters to the living God (Romans 12:1).

So how do we act on this incredible calling? What makes us look like light and become salt to those around us? ANSWER: RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.

When you hang around with someone a lot, do you notice that you begin to pick up their mannerisms? Suddenly you find yourself using their phrases, making their facial expressions, etc. The more time you spend reading about the things Jesus said in the Bible, paying attention to how He treated those around Him and listening for the new things He is saying to you every day, you will discover that it is easier to become like Him.

For the record, let me say that it isn’t always easy. You will get left off of party invite lists; people may talk about you behind your back for doing the right thing; people may even make fun of you. But here is the beauty of the promises He gives us right before He gives us this calling

“BLESSED are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. BLESSED are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. For in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” -Matthew 5:10-12

It is a blessing that we are called to be different- to stand out in every way for His glory. This is an exceptional honor. Ask God to make this calling real to you and to deepen your relationship with Him so that being light and salt is a desire of your heart.

What are some examples of times where you were light and salt?

What you do think this verse means: “…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.” -Matthew 5:13

What are some ways that you can be light and salt to those around you on a daily basis?