Youthful Influence is a new series that Pastor Adama Segbedji started in the Exuberant Youth Service at Solution Chapel International.
Becoming Salt and Light: A Call for Young People to Shine in Today’s World
In today’s rapidly changing world, young people face immense challenges. Social media, peer pressure, and worldly distractions constantly compete for their attention, often leading them away from their God-given purpose. Yet, Jesus calls us to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16). This powerful imagery carries deep meaning, serving as a reminder that we are meant to influence and transform the world around us.
Understanding Salt and Light
Jesus’ metaphor of salt and light is profound. Salt is a preservative, used to prevent decay and maintain purity. In ancient times, salt was valuable, often used as currency. Similarly, Christians are called to preserve the moral and spiritual integrity of the world. Light, on the other hand, dispels darkness and brings clarity. A world without light is a world without direction, but Jesus instructs us to shine brightly, illuminating truth and righteousness wherever we go.
The Role of Young People as Salt
Salt has two primary purposes: preservation and flavor. As young believers, we are tasked with preserving the values of God’s kingdom. This means standing firm in our faith, resisting temptations, and upholding biblical principles even when society promotes contrary beliefs. We should aim to influence our schools, workplaces, and communities with godly wisdom, ensuring that moral decay does not take over.
Moreover, salt enhances flavor. Christians are meant to bring joy, hope, and encouragement to those around them. A life devoted to Christ is not dull or lifeless; rather, it is filled with purpose and excitement. Young people should reflect this by showing kindness, love, and generosity, making Christianity attractive to those who do not yet know Jesus.
The Role of Young People as Light
Light eliminates darkness, revealing what is hidden. When young people shine as lights, they expose lies, injustice, and sin, replacing them with truth and righteousness. In practical terms, this means living with integrity, making righteous decisions, and serving as an example for others.
A lamp is not hidden under a basket but placed on a stand to give light to everyone in the house. Similarly, our faith should not be kept private or hidden due to fear or societal pressure. Instead, it should be displayed boldly, inspiring others to follow Christ. Whether on social media, in our schools, or in our friendships, we must radiate God’s love and grace, leading others to Him.
Challenges to Being Salt and Light
While the call to be salt and light is clear, it is not without challenges. Many young people struggle with self-doubt, fear of rejection, and the pressure to conform. The world often promotes values that contradict biblical teachings, making it difficult to stand firm in faith.
However, we must remember that Jesus never promised an easy path. He warned His disciples that following Him would come with persecution, but He also assured them that He had already overcome the world (John 16:33). When we rely on His strength, we find the courage to stand firm despite opposition.
How to Be Salt and Light in Everyday Life
To actively live as salt and light, young believers must:
- Cultivate a Strong Relationship with God – Daily prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit are essential for spiritual growth. The more time we spend with God, the more our lives reflect His nature.
- Live Out Biblical Principles – Integrity, honesty, kindness, and love should be evident in our interactions. Being salt and light means practicing what we preach and setting an example for others.
- Engage in Evangelism – Sharing the Gospel is a critical aspect of being light. Whether through conversations, social media, or acts of service, young people can spread the message of salvation.
- Resist the Pressure to Conform – The world constantly pushes its own standards, but Christians are called to be different. Standing firm in faith means not compromising beliefs to fit in.
- Serve Others Selflessly – Just as Jesus came to serve, we must also have a servant’s heart. Volunteering, helping those in need, and showing compassion reflect Christ’s love.
The Impact of Being Salt and Light
When young people commit to being salt and light, their influence extends far beyond what they can imagine. A single individual standing firm in faith can inspire others to do the same. In history, many revivals and movements have been sparked by young believers who refused to compromise their values.
For example, the great revivalist movements of the past often began with youth who dedicated themselves to prayer and holiness. Today, God is still calling young people to rise up and be catalysts for change.
The call to be salt and light is both a privilege and a responsibility. In a world desperate for hope and truth, young believers have a crucial role to play. By preserving godly values, illuminating darkness with truth, and standing firm in faith, they fulfill their God-given purpose.
Let us rise to the challenge, boldly living out our faith and making a lasting impact. As Jesus said, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). The time is now—be the salt, be the light, and transform the world for Christ!