The verse sits before me, wide opened –
“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.” (Matthew 5:13, The Message)
These are the very words of Jesus Himself as He sat teaching the disciples. The disciples were already beginning to impact those around them, as they shared about Jesus and His teaching. But it is to them, Jesus gives the warning not to lose their saltiness. Jesus did not want that they do anything which would lessen their influence on the world.
- Jesus called me (us) to be the salt of the earth. The expression, “the salt of the earth” is used to describe a person of great kindness, reliability or honesty (according to the Oxford Dictionary of Idioms). Our character is to reflect His character.
- Salt is a preservative. In order for salt to have influence, it must come out of the salt shaker. Salt only takes effect upon being rubbed onto something. Are we rubbing shoulders with those around us? What effect are we having? Jesus calls us to live in such a way to combat injustice and moral decay in our world.
- Salt enhances. When mixed with food, it brings out the best of the flavor already present. We are to make others aware of Christ due to being in our company.
We need to interact with those around us each day. It is then, they will benefit from the effects of our being “salty”.
Salt – the most common of all seasonings.
Yet it is in and through common people
that others will be able to see and desire the uncommon – Jesus.
This is a revised version of an earlier post.
Today I am joining … Blessed But Stressed and Moments of Hope and #SmallWonder .
Joanne- what a great reminder! Striving to be salty today!
Your #MomentsofHope neighbor,
Julie
Just think … the saltier we are, the more they will thirst for Him.
Joanne, I love this post. I had never thought about this before: ” Salt only takes effect upon being rubbed onto something.” Being rubbed makes me think of the trials and tests I’m studying about in James. As folks see us persevere through tests, the flavor of Christ comes through! Love that thought. Thank you!
That is it absolutely, Jerralea! I am so glad you shared your thoughts!
This is the second post on salt that I’ve seen in the last couple of weeks! I recently wrote a post on the topic as well: https://journeyoftheword.com/2016/07/14/rabbit-trails-that-dont-make-sense/. Salt is such an interesting concept, and one that’s not super clear in Scripture as to its particular meaning. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!
I always find it interesting when a topic is repeated in my life. So glad you stopped here, Lydia!
Thanks for linking, Joanne. We’re (unfortunately) salt lovers at my house – I joke with my husband about getting a salt lick to put in the yard to keep the kids busy! I love the words though, “brings out the God-flavors.” May our words and actions invite others to “taste and see that the Lord is good.”
Amen! I just replied to Lisa’s comment above. I definitely think more of our family is drawn to the salt shakers rather than the pepper shakers. I think that truly says it all!
Preserves and enhances…I’m not sure how well I do either of those! So I appreciate you spelling it out here to remind me to be salt at all times. Better salt than pepper, right? 🙂 Blessings to you, Joanne.
I so appreciate you, Lisa. You made me think of when our table is fully surrounded. More of our family is drawn to the salt shakers rather than the pepper 🙂 Blessings!
Joanne,
I think as Christians we stop with #1 and forget to apply #2 and #3! Great points! We can’t keep that salt in the shaker. We need to live out our faith, touching others and enhancing their lives. Thank you so much for sharing hope alongside me at #MomentsofHope!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori