Salty Christians

Many years ago, Roman soldiers were paid in salt. Without salt the soldiers were unable to preserve meat or flavor their food. Eventually, an expression developed for soldiers who were not committed. Have you ever heard this phrase? “He’s not worth his salt.”

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth (Matt. 5:13).” If we are to be the salt of the earth, let us examine some realities concerning sodium chloride.

1. Salt is Common

An abundant supply of salt exists in the world. The oceans are filled with it. So, salt is a common substance. Why did not Jesus declare, “You are the Gold of the world” or “You are the Uranium of the world?” We would have been flattered if Christ said, “You are the Petroleum of the world.” However, he used one of the most common substances in life to illustrate His point. In I Corinthians 1:27, Paul wrote, "But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise,..." By comparing our lives to salt, he stresses the wonderful truth that anyone and everyone can make a difference.

2. Salt Has Many Uses

Quality salt can be used for specific purposes with certain expected results.

First, salt preserves food. The preserving attributes of salt was of great value during the time of Christ. The Mediterranean region, in which Jesus ministered, was mostly tropical. In this hot climate, food would spoil if not cooled or protected. Since ice was not readily available, and no refrigerators or freezers existed, salt was used to prevent meat from rotting.

Second, salt flavors recipes. If you have ever eaten baby food, you will quickly recognize the absence of salt in the pureed meats and vegetables we feed our unsusptecting infants. We are accustomed to eating food flavored with salt and spices. While we know too much salt can be unhealthy, at least a small amount of salt helps most foods become more palatable.

Third, salt causes thirst. After eating heavily salted snacks, we crave something to drink.

3. Salt Has to be Processed

Salt is obtained from evaporating sea-water or salt-marsh water. The salt is separated from the water. Rock salt is mined.

4. Salt Without Flavor is Useless?

Salt without taste is worthless and becomes nothing more than dirt, fit only to be walked upon.

Are you salty?

Jesus, speaking to his followers, said, “YOU ARE the salt of the earth” No other organization can preserve society. Obviously, our government, the U.N., and other non-Christian Charities have been unable to stop the moral decay of our country and theworld. Only the gospel can preserve and flavor society for the better.

Using the metaphor, some questions naturally arise.

• In relation to the processing of salt, have you been separated?
• Have you been crushed?
• Are you a preserving presence in a morally decaying world?
• Is the Christian life you live a flavorful addition to the world and to the lives of those around you?
• Do you make people thirsty for Jesus?
• Have you lost your flavor? Are you nothing more than dust on the sidewalk?

Today, why not live a salty life and make some folks thirsty for a relationship with Jesus?