SALT MAKES THIRSTY

“Blessed are those who hunger and THIRST for RIGHTEOUSNESS, for they shall be filled” – Matthew 5:6

As SALT MAKES THIRSTY, so Believers in Christ are meant to make the world thirsty for Righteousness: “Blessed are those who hunger and THIRST for RIGHTEOUSNESS, for they shall be filled” (Mt.5:6). Righteousness refers to living a life that aligns with God’s Will and standards. The Lord Jesus was telling His followers – common folks like fishermen and labourers – that they were of supreme value like salt, which was traded in those days the same way that gold was. The phrase “Hunger and Thirst” signifies a strong longing; a passionate and persistent desire for righteousness. Believers in Christ are to be the salt that induces thirst for righteousness among our circles or spheres of influence – instruments of positive impact, raised to make people thirsty for the Living Water which Christ alone provides.

Having just finished delivering the beatitudes, Jesus was talking about blessed people who embodied these virtues, namely: “the poor in spirit” (v. 3), “those who mourn” (v. 4), “the meek” (v. 5), “those who hunger and thirst for righteousness” (v. 6), “the merciful” (v. 7), “the pure in heart” (v. 8), “the peacemakers” (v. 9), and “those who are persecuted because of righteousness” (v. 10). These are the same people the Lord calls the salt of the earth! In a sense, the Lord was telling us as His followers, what our purpose is here on earth. In His day, one purpose of salt was to enhance thirst. For example, salt was given to animals so they would take in the proper amount of water.

As the salt of the earth, God has placed us where we are to make those around us thirsty for more of Him. When they see our joy, the way we walk in faith when times get tough, and how we celebrate the blessings of the Lord, we’ll make them thirst for that same kind of joy, peace, and contentment. So, they’ll reach out to Who will quench their thirst: the Living Water, the Lord Jesus Christ. Being salt also means that sometimes we’ll sting others with the truth of the gospel and their need for forgiveness through Christ – just as salt can be used to help in the healing of a wound, producing temporary discomfort and even pain.

We live in a world in which multitudes are not thirsting after righteousness. Men and women are desperately needed to go out and be salt in every sphere of society. One reason God left Believers here on earth is to help create this unique thirst. We accomplish this by living out our faith, rather than hiding it; and ‘salting’ our speech and deeds with God-glorifying testimonies. We can participate in the healing of the world from sin and its effects, by leading people to the Great Physician. To be salt is to be an appealing presence that draws people to us and then points beyond us to the Coming King!