“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” (Matthew 5:13)
Salt is used primarily for two purposes:
- To season i.e. enhance the taste/flavor of food
- To preserve
Disciples of Christ are called to be the salt of the earth. In other words, we are called to enhance and preserve humanity which is created in the very image of God (Genesis 2:26).
We enhance life under the sun when we emulate our Lord and Savior. When we love others by being kind, showing compassion, and being forgiving, we bring light to a world plagued by darkness.
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
We preserve humanity by teaching and upholding the truth. The truth preserves souls from corruption. It prevents men and woman from wandering into that which maims and destroys (1 Peter 5:8).
“Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” (John 8:51 cf. Romans 6:23)
In order for salt to be useful, it has to be in the proper form. A big chunk of salt is not useful for seasoning or preserving. Interestingly enough, Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt when she decided to disobey God’s instructions when fleeing from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
“But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26 cf. vs. 17)
It is not enough, then, to simply become a child of God (Galatians 3:26-27) just as salt, in the wrong format, will prove useless. We must live faithfully! We must “break up” self and learn to put others first.
“For he who lacks these things [virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love – vs. 5-8] is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” (2 Peter 1:9)
Christian, the world, whether it wants to admit it or not, needs you today. Your co-worker, neighbor, friend, or family member is asking “please, pass the salt.” Will you enhance the life of someone today by demonstrating the love of Christ? Will you seek to preserve someone’s soul from destruction by sharing with them the truth of the gospel?
“…he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:20)
Don’t lose your savor by becoming distracted with the things of the world. Don’t become a pillar of salt by disobeying your Father’s commands.