Salty

 “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

Are you a follower of Christ? If so, Jesus calls you to be the salt of the earth. But what exactly does that mean? Well, to understand the words of Christ, one must first understand the significance of salt. Salt is a unique substance that is used in a variety of ways. It can be used to flavor foods, retard decay, and in small doses even fertilize land. So what does Jesus mean when He says that His followers are the salt of the earth? I believe Jesus is saying that Christians, like salt, are to be change-agents. The church is to make a positive impact in the world by flavoring the world with the love and teachings of Christ, opposing and resisting evil, and producing spiritual fruit wherever we go. To be salt, Christians must live a life that promotes and exudes the righteousness of heaven. We are to live a holy life that epitomizes Christ’s likeness.

However, this means that we cannot be like salt and and also be like the world. The essence of salt is that it is utterly different from the substance that it is introduced to. John 17:16-18 states, “ They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.” Though we are in the world, we are not to be of the world. This is fundamentally what it means to be the salt of the earth. Christians are to be completely different from the world they interact with. We must resist the cultural and social pressures of our day and remain rooted in the truth of Scripture. Romans 12:2 states, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Salt cannot be influenced by the world. Christians cannot be moved by every wind of doctrine or buy into the lie that Christ-followers are to blend in and be unnoticed. Those who follow Christ must hear the call to righteousness and make a difference in the world.

Sadly, there are many who profess Christ as their Lord but lack spiritual seasoning in their life. This is why Jesus warns His disciples to examine their saltiness. Jesus said that any disciple that loses his or her flavor will be good for nothing, thrown out, and trampled underfoot by men (v. 13). This is a solemn warning to followers of Christ to take their mission of the kingdom seriously. Just for a moment, take inventory of your spiritual life. Are you salty? Are you a blessing to your relationships. Do others taste the righteousness of Christ when you speak? Are you bringing life and flavor to others or are you causing more pollution, corruption, and chaos? Is your work space, school, household, social media platforms being seasoned with the gospel and producing the fruit of the Spirit? These are important questions that every Christian must ask themselves.

We have been given a divine and holy honor to represent Christ in this world. Let us all stay salty!