Salt & Light | Matthew 5:13-16

In a world filled with confusion about identity, Jesus speaks with clarity and authority: “You are the salt of the earth… the light of the world.” In this celebration, we explore Matthew 5:13–16 not as a list of goals to strive for, but as a declaration of who we, as God’s people, already are in Christ. Our identity is not shaped by feelings, culture, nor is it up for debate - it is given to us by the Father.

Using the imagery of salt and light, we as believers are called to live distinct lives that, like salt, preserve what is good, resist compromise, and shine the light of Christ in this dark world. Salt loses its power when mixed with impurities, and light is useless when hidden—so followers of Jesus are challenged to remove what dulls their witness and to live faithfully in the world without becoming like it.

This is lived out through consistent obedience, holiness, love, and faithfulness in everyday life. Our good works are not meant to draw attention to ourselves, but to point others to the glory of God. As our benediction for the year ahead, Pastor Maiola invites us to embrace our God-given identity and live in such a way that the world may see, believe, and glorify the Father.