Salt, Light, and City are the three identities (I use the term ‘identities’ for lack of a better word) that Christ gave us as believers.
SALT: As salt, our role is to add meaning to life and preserve it from decay. Similarly, by virtue of us being salt, we give meaning to the lives of the people around us, adding color and flavor and transforming what is plain and ordinary into something extraordinary.
LIGHT: The function of light is to dispel darkness and provide clarity and direction. In this sense, to be light means that we dispel darkness in the hearts and lives of those around us, eliminating confusion, bringing clarity, and revealing the path that should be followed. This can be accomplished both verbally and non-verbally. There are some individuals with whom you will have the opportunity to influence and mentor through direct interaction. For others, you may serve as a pillar of fire, following you from a distance; they may follow your example—moving when you move and stopping when you stop. Regardless of the context, God is still glorified because it is the light of God shining within you that they are following. This brings me to a vital point: we must possess love within us if we wish to carry and be the light of God. As it is written in 1 John 2:9-11,
“He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness, walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes.”
It is only when we have love that we can shine with light, dispelling all forms of darkness.
CITY: This is the third functionality that Jesus calls believers, and it carries significant meaning. It signifies that you are a carrier of God’s presence, as stated in Psalm 46:4-5. By being a carrier of God, whenever people relate to you in various ways and on different grounds, they encounter God through you.
When such encounters take place, as described in 2 Corinthians 3:18,
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord,” the effects can be profound.
Through their interaction with the light, darkness is dispelled, and they are no longer veiled by ignorance. Instead, they gain clarity. When they encounter God, transformation occurs—they discover their identity, purpose, and destiny.
The pressing question now is: Are we living as a city that can inhabit God’s presence? Are we living as a city capable of hosting God and his glory? Let’s reflect on this question, as our answers will reveal whether we are fulfilling the roles the Lord Jesus Christ entrusted to us.
• Phoenix
