Living as Purposeful Salt & Light
Haggai leader Bua* is a program manager for an NGO in Southeast Asia and a pastor. The following is a reflection on the call to end Gospel poverty, from Bua’s unique vantage point as a Haggai leader active in equipping others to share the Gospel in her region. Due to security concerns, Bua’s name and location have been changed.
In Matthew 5:13-14, God’s Word reminds us of our identity — we are likened to salt and light. Being light implies our call to shine brightly in the midst of darkness, while being salt signifies our role as preservatives in a culture succumbing to the decay of sin. Our primary mission, therefore, becomes clear: to reveal the light and preserve the goodness through sharing the Good News of the Gospel.
Sharing the Gospel stems from our love and concern for others’ destinies. Often, our hesitance to share this life-changing message arises from a fear of how others might perceive us. However, as individuals who’ve transitioned from darkness to God’s glorious Light, we’re tasked with faithfully sharing the hope within us, always remembering that faith sprouts from hearing (Romans 10:17).
Upon accepting Christ, we’re entrusted with the responsibility of living according to God’s purpose — to serve as the salt and light in this world. Just as salt preserves, followers of Christ are called to safeguard humanity from succumbing to sin. Being the light of the world requires us to radiate Christ’s light (Matthew 5:16), enabling others to witness the truth in God’s Word, especially the transformative message of Christ’s death and resurrection, which leads to salvation through God’s love and grace.
Here are practical ways to fulfill this purpose:
1. Knowing Christ: Recognize Christ as the Son of God (1 John 5:20).
2. Growing in Christ: Maintain a close connection with Christ through consistent prayer and studying His Word (Philippians 2:12). As 2 Peter 3:18 states, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
3. Serving Christ: While God doesn’t require our service, our love for Him compels us to serve faithfully (Colossians 1:16). Revering Christ and serving Him wholeheartedly are responses to His immense love and the salvation He has graciously bestowed upon us (1 Samuel 12:24).
4. Sharing Christ: Following Christ’s resurrection, His disciples were commissioned to spread His Gospel (Mark 16:15), a mandate that extends to all followers of Christ. Upon making Christ our Lord and Savior, He empowers us through the Holy Spirit to share the message of salvation with others (Acts 1:8).
Living as salt and light isn’t merely a metaphorical concept but a tangible calling for believers. By embracing this purpose and actively living out our faith, we illuminate the world with God’s love and truth, offering hope and salvation to those around us.
Living as Purposeful Salt & Light
Haggai leader Bua* is a program manager for an NGO in Southeast Asia and a pastor. The following is a reflection on the call to end Gospel poverty, from Bua’s unique vantage point as a Haggai leader active in equipping others to share the Gospel in her region. Due to security concerns, Bua’s name and location have been changed.
In Matthew 5:13-14, God’s Word reminds us of our identity — we are likened to salt and light. Being light implies our call to shine brightly in the midst of darkness, while being salt signifies our role as preservatives in a culture succumbing to the decay of sin. Our primary mission, therefore, becomes clear: to reveal the light and preserve the goodness through sharing the Good News of the Gospel.
Sharing the Gospel stems from our love and concern for others’ destinies. Often, our hesitance to share this life-changing message arises from a fear of how others might perceive us. However, as individuals who’ve transitioned from darkness to God’s glorious Light, we’re tasked with faithfully sharing the hope within us, always remembering that faith sprouts from hearing (Romans 10:17).
Upon accepting Christ, we’re entrusted with the responsibility of living according to God’s purpose — to serve as the salt and light in this world. Just as salt preserves, followers of Christ are called to safeguard humanity from succumbing to sin. Being the light of the world requires us to radiate Christ’s light (Matthew 5:16), enabling others to witness the truth in God’s Word, especially the transformative message of Christ’s death and resurrection, which leads to salvation through God’s love and grace.
Here are practical ways to fulfill this purpose:
1. Knowing Christ: Recognize Christ as the Son of God (1 John 5:20).
2. Growing in Christ: Maintain a close connection with Christ through consistent prayer and studying His Word (Philippians 2:12). As 2 Peter 3:18 states, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
3. Serving Christ: While God doesn’t require our service, our love for Him compels us to serve faithfully (Colossians 1:16). Revering Christ and serving Him wholeheartedly are responses to His immense love and the salvation He has graciously bestowed upon us (1 Samuel 12:24).
4. Sharing Christ: Following Christ’s resurrection, His disciples were commissioned to spread His Gospel (Mark 16:15), a mandate that extends to all followers of Christ. Upon making Christ our Lord and Savior, He empowers us through the Holy Spirit to share the message of salvation with others (Acts 1:8).
Living as salt and light isn’t merely a metaphorical concept but a tangible calling for believers. By embracing this purpose and actively living out our faith, we illuminate the world with God’s love and truth, offering hope and salvation to those around us.
Living as Purposeful Salt & Light
Haggai leader Bua* is a program manager for an NGO in Southeast Asia and a pastor. The following is a reflection on the call to end Gospel poverty, from Bua’s unique vantage point as a Haggai leader active in equipping others to share the Gospel in her region. Due to security concerns, Bua’s name and location have been changed.
In Matthew 5:13-14, God’s Word reminds us of our identity — we are likened to salt and light. Being light implies our call to shine brightly in the midst of darkness, while being salt signifies our role as preservatives in a culture succumbing to the decay of sin. Our primary mission, therefore, becomes clear: to reveal the light and preserve the goodness through sharing the Good News of the Gospel.
Sharing the Gospel stems from our love and concern for others’ destinies. Often, our hesitance to share this life-changing message arises from a fear of how others might perceive us. However, as individuals who’ve transitioned from darkness to God’s glorious Light, we’re tasked with faithfully sharing the hope within us, always remembering that faith sprouts from hearing (Romans 10:17).
Upon accepting Christ, we’re entrusted with the responsibility of living according to God’s purpose — to serve as the salt and light in this world. Just as salt preserves, followers of Christ are called to safeguard humanity from succumbing to sin. Being the light of the world requires us to radiate Christ’s light (Matthew 5:16), enabling others to witness the truth in God’s Word, especially the transformative message of Christ’s death and resurrection, which leads to salvation through God’s love and grace.
Here are practical ways to fulfill this purpose:
1. Knowing Christ: Recognize Christ as the Son of God (1 John 5:20).
2. Growing in Christ: Maintain a close connection with Christ through consistent prayer and studying His Word (Philippians 2:12). As 2 Peter 3:18 states, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
3. Serving Christ: While God doesn’t require our service, our love for Him compels us to serve faithfully (Colossians 1:16). Revering Christ and serving Him wholeheartedly are responses to His immense love and the salvation He has graciously bestowed upon us (1 Samuel 12:24).
4. Sharing Christ: Following Christ’s resurrection, His disciples were commissioned to spread His Gospel (Mark 16:15), a mandate that extends to all followers of Christ. Upon making Christ our Lord and Savior, He empowers us through the Holy Spirit to share the message of salvation with others (Acts 1:8).
Living as salt and light isn’t merely a metaphorical concept but a tangible calling for believers. By embracing this purpose and actively living out our faith, we illuminate the world with God’s love and truth, offering hope and salvation to those around us.
