Influence: Light, Salt and Yeast

Written in 2023

This is a beautiful and profound metaphor for the role of a believer in the world, emphasizing the transformative impact we are meant to have in various contexts.

1. Light: Exposes and Illuminates

• Purpose: Light drives away darkness, symbolizing truth and guidance in a world that often stumbles in confusion and error.

• Application: As believers, we expose what is hidden (Ephesians 5:13) and illuminate the path toward righteousness and hope (Matthew 5:14-16). By living authentically and sharing God’s truth, we guide others toward clarity and purpose.

2. Salt: Flavors and Preserves

• Purpose: Salt enhances the taste of food and prevents decay, symbolizing the believer’s ability to bring value, hope, and preservation to a world in moral and spiritual decline.

• Application: As salt, we add “flavor” to life by bringing joy, wisdom, and purpose to our spheres of influence. We also “preserve” by standing firm in our convictions, protecting communities from spiritual and moral decay (Matthew 5:13).

3. Yeast: Works Quietly but Evidently

• Purpose: Yeast transforms dough from within, working silently but powerfully to produce visible change.

• Application: Like yeast, believers work within communities, organizations, and relationships, influencing and transforming from the inside out. This often happens quietly, without fanfare, but the impact is unmistakable over time (Matthew 13:33).

The believer is called to engage the world with wisdom: exposing darkness with truth, enriching life with God’s love, preserving righteousness, and quietly transforming the environments they are placed in. This role requires intentionality, humility, and reliance on God, ensuring our influence reflects His glory.