Salt and Light (13-16)
Here the influence of those with the character of the beatitudes on the world is discussed. The need for salt and light in the world should be obvious.
v.13 Real salt doesn’t lose its saltiness. Salt preserves food from corruption and was essential in the days before refrigeration. Salt also adds flavor to food. A servant of the king acts as salt to his world and culture. Your actions as a Christian should prevent or confront corruption (sin) in your community. There is (or should be) a fundamental difference between Christian and non-Christians and between the church and the world. We need to live like there is that difference.
v.14-16 A Christian’s shinning light includes all he or she does including his/her spoken testimony. When people see our good works they will glorify God (1 Pt 2:11-12). We should openly live, in the world, the life of a Christian as described in the beatitudes. It is when our lifestyle is visible to others that it will have an effect for good. We should not hide our deeds from the world.
As salt we must engage the world, but as light we must never become assimilated into the world or compromise our values.