Salt

“You are the salt of the earth.” That’s what Jesus tells his disciples and the crowd surrounding him in the Sermon on the Mount. His word choice is interesting. He doesn’t say you “could be” or “should be” or “must be.” He says,  “You are….”  

Three elements of salt lend themselves to this metaphor. The first is obvious. Salt is seasoning. Without salt, food is tasteless. A little salt brings out the flavor. It doesn’t take a lot, but too much makes it inedible. Jesus has chosen a few men and women to carry on his ministry: Peter, Matthew, John, Mary, Martha, Mary Magdalene. They provide the seasoning for what becomes Christianity.

Salt is a preservative. It’s used to prevent food from spoiling. In the Old Testament salt represented endurance or something long-lasting. That’s why the relationship between God and His people is called a salt covenant. If you are the salt of the earth, the bond will never be broken.

Salt is sacrifice. When the Jews offered grain as a sacrifice, they were instructed to season it with salt. Salt was also sprinkled on burnt offerings and mixed with incense. Ultimately the lives of the disciples become their gift.

Fast forward to day. If you are the salt of the earth, what does that mean?

• Seasoning. In your life, you may feel in the minority, one voice among many, struggling to make a difference. As salt, you draw out the good in others. You provide the seasoning.
• Preservative. You don’t quit. You have a salt contract. Just as God will be there for you, you will always be there for God.
• Sacrifice. By following Jesus, you surrender your missteps and live only for him.

This week consider the ways in which you are salt. Sometimes that will be easy, such as when you prepare a meal for others or seek to heal their wounds. Other times being salt will require introspection. What do you add to the groups in your life: church committees, work teams, neighborhoods, friends, volunteer organizations? As you retire for the evening, affirm your salt covenant with prayer. Wake to Christ’s declaration, “You are the salt of the earth.”