Christians Are The Salt

Matthew 5:13 – You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. (NIV)

Numbers 18:19 – Whatever is set aside from the holy offerings the Israelites present to the Lord I give to you and your sons and daughters as your regular share. It is an everlasting covenant of salt before the Lord for both you and your offspring. (NIV)

My mother had a medical problem for which she was required to leave salt out of her diet. She tried several of the salt substitutes on the market, but to no avail: a satisfying substitute was never found for the real ingredient. None of her favourite recipes ever tasted the same again. She said she had never realized how much that little "dash of salt" did for her food.

The dictionary describes salt as a crystalline compound of sodium and chlorine, occurring as a mineral and as a constituent of seawater; it is an element that gives liveliness or humour.

Jesus said that Christians are the spiritual salt of the earth. Their influence adds a flavour to the world that cannot be replaced by substitutes.

Salt does several things. In addition to adding flavour, it preserves and purifies. These, too, are responsibilities of Christians. Though sometimes we may feel that our efforts go unnoticed and that society places no value on our witness, there would be something missing without the Christian input.

If we yield our lives to Christ in obedience and service, He can use them as salt to flavour, preserve, and create a thirst in others for spiritual water that will satisfy the needs of a thirsty world.

Prayer: Lord, You tell us that if salt loses its saltiness, it is no longer good for anything. Help us to retain our saltiness that we may flavour the lives of others. Give us the desire to purify their lives and to preserve Your church in the world. Amen.

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