Better + Brighter: Be Salt & Light

Written By Josh Finklea
Full Service

Better + Brighter: week 1: Be Salt & Light

Jesus calls His followers to be salt and light — making life better and brighter wherever they go. Salt preserves and adds flavor; light reveals and guides. When our lives reflect Jesus through grace-filled actions and good deeds, people don’t just notice us — they’re drawn toward God.

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  • Week 1 — Be Salt & Light

    Matthew 5:13–16

    Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount with a declaration that immediately confronts our assumptions about faith. He doesn’t begin with rules, behavior modification, or religious systems. Instead, He speaks to identity and influence:
    “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.”

    Salt and light are ordinary, everyday elements — but they create extraordinary impact. Salt preserves, purifies, and adds flavor. Light reveals, guides, and attracts. With these images, Jesus teaches us that following Him isn’t about withdrawing from the world, but engaging it in a way that makes it better and brighter.

    Salt only works when it is applied. It doesn’t preserve food from a distance. In the same way, the church doesn’t influence culture by isolating from it. Jesus calls His followers to step into schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, hospitals, sports fields, and government spaces — not to dominate, but to preserve what is good and bring truth with grace.

    Salt also adds flavor. Unfortunately, Christians have sometimes been known more for bitterness than beauty. Jesus invites us to consider the taste we leave behind. Do our words reflect grace? Do our interactions add life? When we live shaped by the love of Christ, people experience something different — something better.

    Light functions differently but just as powerfully. Light doesn’t argue with darkness; it simply shines. Jesus calls His followers a “city on a hill,” visible and unmistakable. But the light we shine isn’t our own — it’s a reflection of Him. Like the moon reflecting the sun, our lives are meant to reflect the character, compassion, and truth of Jesus.

    When our words, actions, decisions, and attitudes look like Christ, people begin to notice. And more importantly, they begin to see God.

    Jesus makes it clear that our good works don’t save us — but they can point others toward salvation. Every act of kindness, generosity, and compassion becomes a beacon that helps someone find their way to God.

    The question Jesus leaves us with is deeply personal: Did my presence make things better? Did it make things brighter? When our lives stay connected to Him, the answer can be yes.

  • Small Group Curriculum – Better & Brighter

    Download Week 1 Guide Here

    Small Group Curriculum – Week 1 

    Series: Better & Brighter
    Week 1 Title: Be Salt & Light

    Main Scripture: Matthew 5:13–16
    Big Idea: Be better and be brighter

    1. Connect (Icebreaker)

    • Fun: What’s one invention that made your life “better”? (TV remote, smartphone, microwave, etc.)

    • Personal: Who in your life has helped make you better or brought light into a dark season?

    • Transition: Jesus says His followers are called to make the world better and brighter—to be salt and light.

    2. Discover (Scripture & Discussion)

    Read Matthew 5:13–16; Colossians 4:5–6; Philippians 2:14–15 

    Discussion Questions:

        •.    What does it mean to be “salt” in your world? How can believers preserve and enhance what’s good?

        •    Why do you think Jesus compared His followers to “light”?

        •    How does our behavior or attitude affect how others view God?

        •    What are some practical ways to “shine” this week—in your home, school, workplace, or neighborhood?

        •    (Dig Deeper) Read Ephesians 5:8–10. What does it look like to “live as children of light”?

    3. Respond (Application & Prayer)

    Personal Application:

    • What’s one dark place (situation, relationship, or community) where God is calling you to bring light?

    • Where can you be “salt”—preserving truth and adding grace?

    Group Prayer Prompt:

    • Pray that God helps each person in your group reflect His light and bring flavor to their surroundings.

    • Ask God to reveal specific opportunities to be a positive influence this week.

    Challenge for the Week:

    • Memory Verse: Matthew 5:16 (NLT) – “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

    • Next Step: Do one intentional act this week that makes your world better and brighter.

  • CONWAY

    AYNOR

    SOUTH STRAND

Josh Finklea