Be Salt and Light: Living with Purpose

In a world where truth and love often get mixed up, God wants us to live differently. As Christian Moms and wives, we can learn to share truth with kindness and show His light through humble actions, following what Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-16.

Matthew 5:13–16

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? … You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
— Matthew 5:13–14 (ESV)

Be Salt and Light: Living with Truth and Love in a World That Needs Both

Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:13–16 hit hard because they are so beautiful, too. He tells His followers to act as salt and light. We should not just fit in with the world around us. Instead, we shape it by holding to God’s truth, His love, and our firm faith in Him.

Our culture tends to mix up love with just going along with what people want. It also treats truth like something personal that changes with feelings. This Bible passage helps steady us. It shows who we are meant to be as faithful pictures of Christ. We shine His light in our words, our decisions, and how we go through each day.

As a mom and a wife, I often wonder, “What does that actually look like in real life”? How do we live as salt and light right where we are? Do we have to do something big? Start a podcast? Write a book, or run for office? Not necessarily. I used to think being “salt and light” had to mean doing something huge for God’s Kingdom, but I’m learning that the small, everyday moments add up over time.

Sometimes, living as salt and light looks like praying for my husband when he’s having a hard week, or talking about Jesus with my kids. It’s praying with them before bed, making a meal for someone who needs it. It’s in the quiet, ordinary faithfulness where God’s light shines brightest. These are really selfless actions that we can and should make habits in our day-to-day. Honestly, being selfless in a world that constantly screams “think about yourself” isn’t easy. I catch myself overlooking the blessings right in front of me, the ones I once prayed for. Sometimes those everyday gifts are literally answered prayers, my kids’ laughter, my husband’s patience, the roof over our heads. They’re reminders that God is working in the details, often through others who have been salt and light in my life long before I even realized it.

What Does It Mean to Be Salt?

Back in Jesus’ time, people used salt mostly to keep food from going bad; it preserved it. It stopped decay from setting in. When Jesus called His followers the salt of the earth, He meant that our lives should protect what is good, holy, and true. The world naturally drifts toward moral and spiritual decay, but we stand in the gap.

That doesn’t just happen in grand, visible ways. Sometimes it happens in the middle of chaos at home. Like, through patience in a tough moment with a toddler, or choosing kindness over frustration when the day feels long, and you are out touched.

Being salt means speaking truth even when it’s uncomfortable. I had a conversation not long ago with a friend where we didn’t see eye to eye on a hot-button topic. I listened to her perspective and attempted to share mine gently, through the lens of God’s Word. Did I change her mind? Probably not. But that wasn’t my goal. My goal was to honor God, speak truth with grace, and maybe plant a seed that He’ll grow in His timing.

Salt also represents steadfastness. It doesn’t change based on its surroundings. In the same way, we stay steady in faith, holding to God’s Word even when the world around us shifts. Each small, faithful step, praying, serving, forgiving, preserves what’s good and keeps His truth alive in our homes and communities.

What Does It Mean to Be Light?

Light reveals what’s hidden in the dark. It brings warmth, clarity, and direction. Jesus didn’t tell us to shine so that others would look at us. He called us to shine so others would see Him.

That means when we live with peace, patience, and joy, people notice. Sometimes I catch myself getting really discouraged when something in our family life isn’t going the way I hoped. And if I’m honest, it’s often because I’m focused on a worldly want, something that doesn’t hold eternal value. But when I pause, refocus on Jesus, and remember what truly matters, my heart shifts. Gratitude replaces frustration. My perspective changes. And you know what? That kind of joy is contagious.

People are drawn to light, to genuine hope. As Christians, we’re called to carry that rare, uncommon joy that reflects Christ’s love. Even when we’re tired, even when the to-do list feels endless, we can still choose to be light by living thankfully, forgiving quickly, and loving deeply.

Light doesn’t blend with darkness; it stands out. Not because we’re better than anyone, but because Jesus’ grace fills us, makes us different.

Bold in Faith, Gentle in Love

These days, it’s easy to stay quiet about what we believe. Afraid of conflict, misunderstanding, or being labeled as unkind, which will happen. But love without truth isn’t real love. God calls us to speak truth with grace and to shine His light without arrogance.

Being salt means not watering down God’s Word to make it easier for others to hear. Being light means not dimming our faith just to make the world more comfortable. The goal isn’t to win arguments, it’s to win hearts for Jesus.

When we live this way, even the smallest acts of obedience speak volumes. The peace we carry, the joy that sticks, the way we handle challenges. All of it points others back to Christ.

For the New Believer: Take the Next Step

If you’re new to faith or just beginning to follow Jesus, this call to be salt and light might feel overwhelming. You’re not meant to do it alone! God designed us to grow in community. Find a Bible-preaching church that teaches from God’s Word and points everything back to Christ. Plug into a small group, learn boldly, ask honest questions, and build friendships with believers who encourage and walk with you.

And if you don’t already have one, I highly recommend getting an ESV Study Bible. The ESV study bible has notes, cross-references, and explanations fill its pages, helping you dive deeper into Scripture and live out its truth each day.

Begin right where life has you now. Pick up your Bible. Ask God to lead the way. The light Jesus wants you to share will guide you, too, one step at a time. You will grow stronger in truth, love, and real purpose.

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