There are two very unusual call that Jesus made to a bunch of unlearned men of Galilee.

Jesus said...

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven"

An insignificant group of normal people called to be salt of the earth and light of the whole world? That's absurd and totally impossible.. Well at least it is to the elite of the world. Yet in the eyes of God and in the spirit of the beatitudes, God knows it can be done as he did Joseph, Elijah, Simon Peter and heaps of others.

Being salt requires us to stop trying to be sugar of the earth instead. Too many Project Superstars or Apprentice or American Idol wannabes around. Pass us those who wanna love God, chase God and be God's, those who Keith Green terms as 'being bananas for Jesus'. We have to be salt as well as keep the saltiness to truly make a impact.

Being Light of the world calls for the ordinary towards extraordinary courage, good deeds and leading without title. Everyone who has usable ears will hear and respond to be in a place to be salt and light of the world.

However we should know that the cointainer that will help carry us there is found in Jesus' words before the call in the Beatitudes. "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth". A monk who lived in 16-century Japan under a bridge once said "Most people try to know more to become more clever with each passing day. I attempt to become more simple,uncomplicated and humble every day." I have to agree with him and it is that which makes us effective salt and light.