Who Am I - I Am Salt

 

[Jesus said] “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” (Matthew 5:13 ESV).

 

There are times when I am in the mood for a salty snack. I’m not picky, though it needs to be salty. In fact, I’ve been known to salt my watermelon as I think it enhances the flavor. All of us have some level of desire to use salt on our foods. That’s because when we add salt to snacks, vegetables, and other things we eat because it enhances the flavor. When Jesus used this metaphor in our reading today, He was illustrating the believer’s distinctive role in the world. He implied that we are to add a similarly positive influence on our surroundings, in a way like salt can.

 

Think of how salt enhances the flavor of foods, often making them tastier and more palatable. Christ’s presence within us can similarly add taste to life. Our presence can inject joy and zest into our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. We can help make gatherings and settings more pleasant, positive, and welcoming.

 

There are other uses of salt as well as a flavoring. Think of how salt can melt snow and ice. As Christ-followers, we can help to thaw the cold indifference that this world often portrays. God’s love, which fills us and overflows from us, has the power to soften hardened hearts, thaw frozen relationships, and dissolve disagreements.

 

In addition, salt serves as a preservative. Before we had refrigeration, salt was the primary method of preserving perishable foods. Similarly, we can help to turn back the corrosive effects of sin in the world. As followers of Jesus, we can bring God’s healing, regenerative power to bear on all kinds of situations.

 

No wonder calls us to be “salt” in the world. It is a part of who we are. We must use this part of our character to impact our world!