“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.” Matthew 5:13
Jesus declares the identity of His followers: “You are the salt of the earth.” He points out this identifying marker with confidence as an absolute reality. I love that Jesus tells us what is real. I have glossed over the impact of this identity statement by Jesus about all those following Him. Jesus doesn’t say that we are “becoming salt,” He points out that we are salt.
Declare with me; “We are the salt of the earth.”
Salt is valuable and essential to life, especially in the days of Jesus. This prized commodity preserved, sanitized (2 Kings 2:19-22), and brought flavor and seasoning. It was used for ceremonial offerings (Leviticus 2:13) and symbolized the enduring covenant between God and His people (Numbers 18:19, 2 Chronicles 13:5). The symbolism of salt represented the heart of God for His people to live in deep relationship with Himself as well as remain pure and set apart from the world.
Emphasizing the importance of salt in life and culture, Jesus described us as salt. He placed high value on His people and through His statement empowered disciples to live differently with purpose. Through His words, Jesus called His disciples to live as a preserving influence in the world, a reflection of God’s promises, and a flavorful demonstration of the life of Christ.
Nevertheless, salt loses it’s saltiness by additives, impurities, and moisture which dilute the potency. When salt becomes impure, its value and purpose weakens. Similarly, as God’s people we must remain pure. This warning of Jesus demonstrates the power of the world to dilute and weaken our saltiness. The godly influence of followers of Jesus in the world confronts evil, discord, bacteria, and disease. When we take in the things of the world and become more like the world than Jesus, our salty nature diminishes and the impact of Christ in our lives becomes watered down.
How salty are you? In what ways has the world weakened your saltiness?
For various reasons, I have felt a different kind of salty this past week. It began when I heard a jackhammer at 7am behind the fence of my yard. I opened the garage door to discover workers jackhammering along the egress to my garage. After asking them to stop so I could back my car out of the garage, I proceeded to maneuver around the orange cones, backing down the alley, which is a no parking zone. As I watched carefully the left side of my vehicle, to avoid the neighbor’s cars, I hit an unattended construction piece of machinery sitting in the middle of the alley. The back corner of my car crunched.
I felt annoyed, embarrassed, frustrated, and agitated. Making sense of the early morning collision baffled my mind and heart. Yet, I noticed a tension within my soul. While I felt “salty” according to the world’s perspective (annoyed, frustrated, embarrassed, and agitated), I wondered how to be salty for the sake of the Gospel. While honoring my emotions, I also sought to reflect the love of Jesus and the justice of God. Living with the reminder that from Jesus’ perspective, my true identity is to be salty, I desired to be salty for Jesus. For me, it offered a check in my spirit.
I don’t want to live diluted and impotent in the world. My guess is, neither do you. If we forfeit our influence, actions, and preserving qualities for the world, by becoming just like the world in thought, behavior, and attitude, we lose our impact for the Kingdom of God. During the days of Jesus if salt lost its flavor or preserving qualities, it would be thrown out on the streets where those passing by trampled it in the ground. It was no longer useful. Let us remain salty for the good of the gospel.
How can we live, bringing the preserving presence of Jesus into our circumstances? What does it look like to confront evil and be detached from the ways of our culture and world? Bring the pure and loving heart of God into your interactions with others. Stay Salty!
This week – – –
Reflect. Ruminate on Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Wonder with God about the influences upon your thoughts and attitudes (TV, movies, social media, news, books, magazines, podcasts, relationships, etc.). In what ways are “additives and impurities” influencing the saltiness within your mind? How does this impact the reflection of Christ in your life?
Request. Thank God for giving you the identity of salt. Ask the Lord to guard your heart and mind (Proverbs 4:23) and show you when your saltiness becomes compromised by the things of the world. Thank Jesus for His example of being salty and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to live like Jesus and follow Him (John 10:27). Amen.
Receive. Receive the extravagant love of God for you. He wants deep relationship with you. Embrace God’s kindness, conviction, and invitation to live for Him in the world. Allow your presence to bring the purity, presence, and peace of Jesus to others. Rest in the grace and mercy of God.
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
1 John 2:15-17 – Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.
Matthew 22:37 – “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Ted Roberts. You are the Salt of the Earth: Confronting the Sin of our Silence! Mailland, FL. 2021.
Alistair Begg. The Christian Manifesto: Jesus’ Life-Changing Words from the Sermon on the Plain (How to live the Christian life and experience true blessing as a disciple of Jesus.) Charlotte, NC. 2023.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Lauren Daigle. Salt and Light. Click here to watch & listen.
Hillsong Worship and More. Renew Your Mind – Christian Worship Songs. Click here to watch and listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
October 16-18 – Allenspark, CO – Women’s Retreat for St. Patrick’s Presbyterian Church
November 8-12 – Quarryville, PA – Breathe Deeply Soul Care Encounter (click here for more information)