In the summer of 2016 our entire church (First Baptist of Pflugerville) was doing a study based on a book written by our pastor, Dr. Steve Washburn. The title of the book is Salt. After reading the book, I was inspired to write this song, Salt and Light. In Matthew 5, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says that we are the salt of the earth and that we are the light of the world. In his book, Dr. Washburn distinguishes these two in this way: Light is the spreading of the gospel to those who are lost and Salt is the preservation of righteousness in the world that we live in. We are called to do both.

The Southern Gospel quintet that I sing in (Aire to the Throne) plans on recording this for our next CD. However, we are not real speedy at getting a CD out so it may be a while. In the meantime, I thought I would share the song here with me singing the parts.

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16 (NASB)

© 2016 Larry G. Hearin
Weary and worn is the world today with hopelessness in darkness lay.
All they like sheep have gone astray. In need of light to show the way.

Desire for truth in the world is gone. Lovers of self all have become.
How will they know unless someone will share the news of the risen Son?

We are the salt and light with hope for a dying world
To preserve and show the right of a life within God’s Word
So stand and join the fight. Will you heed the call?
We are the salt. We are the light.

We are not good on our own within. We choose ourselves what we think is sin.
God’s Word is clear we must begin to live as salt and our world to win.

We are the salt and light with hope for a dying world
To preserve and show the right of a life within God’s Word
So stand and join the fight. Will you heed the call?
We are the salt. We are the light.

As salt and light, it is not fate. We have the choice, it’s not too late.
The time is now, we cannot wait. Our goal is truth and our path is straight.

We are the salt and light with hope for a dying world
To preserve and show the right of a life within God’s Word
So stand and join the fight. Will you heed the call?
We are the salt. We are the light.

We are the salt and light with hope for a dying world
To preserve and show the right of a life within God’s Word
So stand and join the fight. Will you heed the call?
We are the salt. We are the light.

We are the salt. We are the light.
We are the salt. We are the light.