SALT OF THE EARTH

“You are the SALT of the earth…” – Matthew 5:13a

In Christ, I am the SALT of the EARTH: “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 tramples underfoot by men. (Mt.5: 13). Mathew 5 -7 cover the Sermon on the Mount – the Kingdom Handbook. After listing the Beatitudes – the Character of Kingdom Citizens on earth, the Lord Jesus uses two striking metaphors – Salt and Light – two great Agents of Impact, to clarify the functions of His followers: both who we are potentially in Christ, and the Ideal that we are meant to live up to. Today, let’s talk about Salt.

The major functions of Salt are: to preserve food from decay; sweeten or give taste and flavour; and induce or quicken thirst. God calls every believer to fulfil these ministries! As the salt of the earth, we counteract the corruption in the evil world system and preserve the world from decay. We sweeten society with the savour of God’s Word and the aroma of His Spirit. We are agents of righteousness, raised to make people thirsty for the Living Water which Christ alone provides to enliven. SALT cannot be STOPPED! Its taste is unique; and it does not lose its savour to any other substance. Salt dominates its surroundings. In order to be effective, salt does not have to be applied in large quantity. A little salt makes a strong impact!

Salt was very common in Jesus’ day, but also quite valuable. It was use salt as a form of payment for Roman soldiers, and if one of them was not performing his duties well, it was said that “he wasn’t worth his salt.” Salt was used to flavour and preserve foods like fish, especially in the days when there was no refrigeration. As salt, we add distinctiveness to the flavour of life on earth, to be more palatable and pure; and help to keep society from spoiling. Whoever follows Jesus and puts His Words into practice in life will become more like Him, characterized by: the presence of goodness and good deeds and the absence of vices. Others are attracted because of this goodness. This does not imply trying to use self-effort to earn a place in the Kingdom; but having secured a place therein through grace, we then allow Christ’s character to be formed in us.

The cumulative effect of such goodness has been global. Through moral decency and charity, believers have made the world a better place to live. Many hospitals, orphanages and universities were set up in the name of Christ. Missionaries brought literacy, education, medicine, and practical skills to multitudes. The Bible elevated women to their proper place as equal in value to men; inspired the prohibition of slavery and promotes the equal treatment of all people as being valuable to God. The Bible formed the basis of western law and inspired democratic freedom. It has been a reliable moral compass, serving humankind well for millennia despite all attempts to distort it or misrepresent it. Scriptures teach the principles of honesty, fidelity, respect, justice, generosity, and non-retaliation. It promotes peace and good relations.

Of course, some misguided, selfish, self-proclaimed “Christians” have also murdered, stolen, fought wars, promoted slavery, and racial and gender discrimination, with the claim of biblical authority. Such people supposedly acted in His name, but did not obey His teachings. Sadly, some Christians have lost their saltiness, becoming worthless tasteless trash, “good for nothing” (v.13). But, those who truly follow Jesus and put His words into practice continue to have tremendous impact on the world for good, as moral disinfectants in a world where moral standards are low, constantly changing or non-existent.

I am salt of the earth in thoughts, speech, and actions: a preservative and flavour enhancer, pursuing purity and charity amidst a crooked and corrupt society. I am a Positive Agent, making my circles of influence in the world more pure, palatable, and a much better place to live! I have a tangible presence in the world, attracting people to God as they experience His goodness in me.