Matthew 5 13-17: “You are the salt of the earth..."
The primary use of salt is for cooking and that is to bring out the flavor of food. The tiniest amount of salt can change a dish completely. In this case, this is a metaphor that Jesus used to instruct his disciples on morality. While this is a good Christian story to learn from, religion aside, this metaphor is important to building healthy, long term relationships. When in a relationship with someone, from being in a relationship romantically, platonically or a friendship, a key principle is to bring out the better flavor in that person. To bring out the lovingness over the hate, the kindness over the selfishness, trust over mistrust. To show that person what it means to love instead of searching to be loved, to serve for others than to be served, and to understand what it means to be a giver and not just a taker in a relationship. Little by little, pulling out the greater aspects of that person will lead to great things. Even if they don't understand the lessons in that moment, in the future they might. To even season that person for later, to help them understand that those qualities can create a better quality of life. Which will then show it's true flavor later in their life. Pushing someone to be better in the relationship creates longterm relationships.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Aspire to be the person in relationships and friend groups that shines down on the rest (humbly, of course). Whether that be you have a positive energy that promotes happiness in the group or the one who doesn't allow drama to infiltrate (or being the initiate of drama). People can do little things that changes a friend group. Whether it be small like ordering a water at a restaurant, to promote a healthier lifestyle, or the one that is always open to being the person to go out of their way for others. Be the light of morality. Hold yourself to a higher standard in the way that you act (especially in public), or even in privacy (such as one on one conversations). Show the your own little world the higher standards that people can become and few will follow. It is not an instantaneous action but it has a domino effect. No matter how fast or how slow that effect is, being the light in others life will create a higher quality life.
Salt and light have multiple metaphors attached to them, these religion verses can be taken out of it's religion context and I applied to the real world and into personal lives. Being salt, will bring out the better in someone. Being the light, can bring out multiple lights from a group of people. Being both salt and light are equally as important, especially in long term, healthy relationships.
