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.
(Matthew 5:13)
Introduction
As far back as 2700 BC, salt has been an integral part of world history. A white or colorless ingredient that consists mainly of sodium chloride, salt is mined from the earth or evaporated from seawater and used for seasoning and preserving food. The Bible uses salt to describe people called of God to fulfill His purpose. People of salt are regarded as the finest of their kind, honest, and admirable. Christians are called to be salt, and here’s a great angle to approach life from today.
Salt is valuable
Salt was exceedingly valuable in ancient days and was used as a medium of exchange between Phoenicians and the Mediterranean empire. The term “a man is worth his salt” suggests the person has high utility value. Salt was also presented as a gift because it was rare and valuable. When an impoverished soul meets Jesus, He cures and transforms it to salt. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.” Our world is in a vicious state of moral deterioration, and Christians are the salt that prevents it from decomposing altogether.
Salt preserves
“Humanity is a decaying carcass awaiting the vultures of judgment”
Vance Havner
This world is either a carcass or salt. The fishermen of Galilee had only one preservative, salt. They shipped their catch to Samaria and Jerusalem, but their fish would spoil before arrival to markets without salt. Here’s the bigger idea: salt protects only when it is applied. Many Christians wish to avoid direct contact with our society because of its immorality. However, we live in this world and if we want to make it better, we must get involved. The Bible commands us to be the salt of the earth, but if salt can’t get out of the shaker, what’s the point?
We must interact with all people. Jesus went among sinners to offer life and hope. While we need to reject the evil forces of society, we must stay in touch. There must be contact before there can be an impact. We function to preserve civilization and be the forces of change, so speak up and do not be afraid. God will empower you to make a difference.
Salt stings
A society filled with cuts, bruises, and rotting sores, does not always embrace salt because of its sting. Christians will offend their communities, but this should not be a deterrent. As followers of Christ, this is the heart of our calling; we should be motivated to influence society. Courageously and compassionately, speak about the political, social, moral, economic, and spiritual issues that affect you. The Bible reminds us, “if they remain silent, the very stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40).
Christ came to this world and interacted. He calls on fallen humanity to repent of their sins and believe the Gospel (Luke 13:3). As His followers, let’s do the same. Wherever the Apostles preached, there were either riots or regeneration. The Bible says, “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12) and “in this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33).
Salt restores and purifies. We use salt to cure a bad sore throat. As salt, we are the healing balm to suffering humanity. Jesus describes many of the virtues and qualities of the Christian life in Matthew 5. If we possess these noble qualities, we will genuinely serve as salt, and people will come to us for help. We should always be willing and ready to serve needy people.
Salt seasons by adding flavor and zest. We are not wet blankets on the world, but we are here to flavor life. We only know the real worth of salt when it is not present. We should have the “joy of the Lord” bubbling in our lives. Jesus Christ makes us happy:
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me
(Matthew 5:3-11).
The word blessed means happy: “happy are the people whose God is the LORD” (Psalm 144:15; Psalm 146:5).
Please don’t keep your joy so deeply inside you that it is not easy to get it out. Demonstrate the kind of joy that makes others happy. Have a positive attitude toward life. Do not complain, criticizing, judge, or condemn. God calls us to love people from our hearts, “by this, all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:35).
Salt produces thirst. The old cliché, “you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink,” proves to be untrue. If you put salt-tablets in the mouth of a horse, the horse becomes thirsty and seeks water. Our goal is to make people thirst for the water of life, Christ and His righteousness, holiness, goodness, and eternity. Jesus is the Only One who can quench this thirst “…He satisfies the thirsty…”(Psalm 107:9). We must lead people to this Source.
Conclusion
The most satisfying and rewarding experience we can have is to fulfill our purpose as the salt of the earth, “. . . if the salt loses its saltiness, it is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled by men” (Matthew 5:13). Receive Christ into your heart and be at peace with Him. It’s quite simple: acknowledge you are a sinner (Romans 3:23); believe in Him only as your Saviour and Lord (Romans 10:9), and confess Him before others (Romans 10:10). Please do it now, tomorrow may be too late (2 Corinthians 6:2). Be salt today
