Pass the Salt, Darling

A man was invited for dinner at the home of his new boss. Every time he needed something, he made his request to his wife by calling her "My Love", "Darling", or “Sweetheart." His boss was impressed and said, "It's really nice to hear someone married for several years still saying those sweet pet names." The man said, "Well, honestly, I've forgotten her name.”

You Are the Salt of the Earth

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.” Why did he not say, “You are the gold of the earth” or “You are the uranium of the world?” Well, in the ancient world, salt was a precious commodity due to two primary uses.

Salt Preserves and Flavors

First, the preserving attributes of salt was of great value during the time of Christ. The Mediterranean region was mostly tropical, and, in this hot climate, meat would spoil if not preserved. Since ice was not readily available, and no refrigerators or freezers existed, salt was used to cure meat to prevent it from decaying. Second, salt was used to flavor meals. Just open a jar of baby food and taste a pureed mixture of green beans and carrots. Immediately, you will notice how bland food is without flavoring.

He’s Not Worth His Salt?

Since it was such a valuable commodity, Roman soldiers were paid in salt. Eventually, an expression developed for soldiers who were not performing their required duties. Officers would say, “He’s not worth his salt.”

Christians are to be a preserving factor in our families and on the job. We should flavor our communities with compassionate service. Just as salty foods make us thirsty. Our lives as Christians should lead people to desire God’s will for their lives. Are you salty?