“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 underfoot.“
Salt, during the time of Jesus’ ministry, was of far greater value than it is today. Communities were often formed around areas where salt was found, or could be traded. It was literally worth its weight in gold. Because Roman legions were paid in it, we get our word “salary”. We also get the phrase, “worth his salt,” from it. It was so valuable, wars were fought over it.
Besides being valuable as currency, salt served two very important functions at that time:
- Salt brought out flavor
- Salt brings out the flavor of food. It enhances the existing flavors and allows us to enjoy the taste of food better
- Too much salt is just as bad as too little salt.
- Our words and actions should be like the seasoning of salt – Not too much, not too little. It should bring out the flavor of Christ – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.
- Salt preserved
- Prior to modern refrigeration, salt was used to preserve food. Meats would often go bad in hot, humid environments, but salt helped to extend the time that food would still be edible.
- Our words and actions should have a preservative effect on culture, to retard the spread and decay of sin and unrighteousness, keeping life palatable for a much longer period of time.
Jesus gives us a caveat, however. If salt loses its saltiness, or no longer has its intended effect, what good it is anymore? He warns that it would be thrown out, to be trampled. Inedible salt was practically worthless. This is what the Christian Church in the United States of America has become. No one seems to care anymore for the flavor of Christ, and we have certainly failed in preventing the rapid spread of spiritual decay here.
Who really wants to eat mashed potatoes without a little salt on it? Would you really want to eat meat with mold on it? That is what our culture is eating today, because we have failed one of our most important callings – displaying Jesus for all to see. But God can change that. Let us live our lives for Jesus, that our words and actions would have the same effect that Jesus had on the culture 2000 years ago when He walked the Earth with His disciples.
So, let’s ask the question: Am I the salt of the Earth? Or am I salt thrown out on top of the Earth?
A short prayer of preparation:
Father in Heaven, You have given us a very high calling, to preserve, display, and enhance righteousness in this world. We are grateful that You desire to bring glory to Your name through us. Father, help me today to be salt in this wicked generation. Remember me – act divinely upon my half – that in everything that I say and do, Jesus would be reflected. Strengthen me through the trials of today, and may my words and actions have the intended effect that You desire of me. Guard me against all unrighteousness, and I pray for the opportunity to bring You to a people who are feeding on the rotting trash of culture. This I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Want more? Why not try A. B. Simpson or A. W. Tozer?
CHRIST ALLIANCE CHURCH 