Can One Christian Really Make a Difference?
VIDEO SOURCES
Enduring Word Bible Commentary. David Guzek. Enduring Word, https://enduringword.com
The MacArthur Study Bible. John MacArthur. Thomas Neilson, Inc., 2006.
Can One Christian Really Make a Difference?
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
You don’t need to watch the news for very long to feel it—the world is getting darker and more divided. We are more connected than ever before and yet somehow many people are isolated and anxious. And we have more information available to us than ever before and yet somehow truth is being distorted every single day. And in the middle of it all, you might be asking yourself, “Honestly, what difference can I possibly make?” The truth is you can have an impact that is far greater than you can possibly imagine.
Welcome to Part Three of our study through the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest preacher to ever live: the Sermon on the Mount, a mountain of a sermon, the greatest sermon ever told.
In our previous video, we looked at the Beatitudes—the blessings that describe the character of the people in Jesus’ Kingdom. Today, we will be in Matthew chapter 5, verses 13-16, where Jesus tells us the kind of impact He wants His followers to have on this world. He calls us the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and a city on a hill.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these powerful analogies, beginning with “You are the salt of the earth.”
Notice He doesn’t say “try to be salt,” or “work hard to one day you will become salt.” You already are salt by virtue of being a follower of Jesus.
In the ancient world, salt had three major purposes: First, salt was valuable. Roman soldiers received rations that included salt. Their monetary pay was called a salarium, which means “salt allowance.” Hence the expression, “He is worth his salt.”
Second, salt adds flavor. It makes food taste better. Ask any chef—salt is one of the most basic ingredients that is used in just about everything. From French fries to vegetables to a great steak—even a Margarita—there are so many foods that would simply not taste the same without salt.
And finally, in addition to being valuable and flavorful, salt preserves. Before refrigeration, salt didn’t just enhance food, it kept it from rotting.
Friends, listen to what Jesus is saying to you:
Christian, you are valuable. You matter to God, and your life has a purpose. If the world were a plate of food, it should taste better because you are in it. Your life can have a preserving influence. When you walk faithfully with God, you can have a positive impact on the people around you and even the moral decay in society.
Jesus warns that salt can “lose its flavor” and be “good for nothing.” We can’t stop being salt… but we can lose our effectiveness. We are called to make the world a better place, but if we lose our saltiness, we fail to accomplish this purpose.
In our second analogy, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world.”
This is an incredible compliment and calling. You see, Jesus is the Light of the World. And now He says to His followers, “You are the light of the world.” We shine because His light shines in and through us.
Light does three things: it illuminates, it guides, and it contrasts. So when the Light of Jesus shines in and through us, we reveal truth, we illuminate the path to God, we help people avoid danger, and we stand out as different from this world.
He continues, “No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket.” This would defeat the purpose.
Friends, light is needed because the world is dark. I know it can be uncomfortable sometimes to be a beacon of light if those around you are walking in darkness. But Jesus says, “Don’t hide your light.” Don’t dim your light. Don’t adjust your brightness to fit your surroundings. Let your light shine brightly.
Of course, we don’t shine a 1,000-watt laser beam in someone’s eye. We illuminate their path in love, gently showing them the way to God. In Jesus’ day, light meant a simple oil lamp—steady, consistent, faithful. He’s not asking for fireworks or a laser show. He’s asking for steady light in a dark world that brings glory to God.
And finally, Jesus says, “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
It would be visible for miles. Travelers would look to this city for orientation and safety. It’s prominence could not be hidden.
In the same way, your life cannot be hidden and is more visible than you realize. People are watching. They notice how you speak … how you react … how you show kindness … how you forgive … how you handle hardship. You never know how one small act of obedience or love can impact another person for all eternity.
And that’s the point of this section. When you live out these principles, you will have an impact. But Jesus makes one thing crystal clear: your goal in being salt of the earth and light of the world is not to bring glory yourself. Your goal is that the people in your life will “see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
It’s important to note that Jesus isn’t teaching us how to get right with God here. We’re not saved by being salty enough, bright enough, or elevated enough. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. But once we belong to Him… this is the life He calls us to live.
If you are a follower of Jesus, you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. You can have an impact that is far greater than you can possibly imagine. May your character be transformed more and more. May the world taste the goodness of God because of you. May people see His light shining in and through you and may your life bring hope, truth, and love that glorifies our Father in heaven.
I hope this video is a blessing to you, and I hope you’ll join us for every episode in this series.
Stay tuned for our next video to hear some of the most bold and authoritative statements in the entire sermon. From all of us here at Christianity Engaged, God bless you abundantly!
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