“Be the salt of the earth”
Its funny how when one speaks of salt, sugar comes to mind. Maybe it’s because they share similar physical attributes such as their colour and the fact that both dissolve in water. Taste is where the two differ and thus the need for distinction between the two in the kitchen or table setting, to prevent disturbing facial expressions.
(A great April Fools prank though)
More disturbing recently, has been a popular statement by Jesus, “You are the salt of the earth“, found in Matthew 5:13:
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its taste (purpose), how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and walked on by people [when the walkways are wet and slippery].”
MATTHEW 5:13 AMP
As a Christian I have always wondered why Jesus refers to believers as the salt of the earth and not sugar.
I mean, salt is good but if given a preference I would go with sugar. So why did Jesus say otherwise?
To be fair Jesus refers to believers as light, fishers of men and other terms in his sermons and discussions with his disciples.
I just find it interesting that water, salt and fish, all have a connection with salvation. (I don’t think it’s a coincidence either)
I however want us to realize that as Christians we sometimes tend to be sugar and not salt. We lean towards an assumption that the life of a Christian is easy going and stress free and no challenges; just smiles and laughter everyday.
How could it be?
Look at the problems in the world. Christians are challenged to take a stand, be merciful and forgiving, kind towards strangers, comfort the broken hearted and many more.
God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit provides peace, grace and strength to those who believe to do all these things with a smile but it’s not easy.
It’s kind of similar to raising children. It’s a blessing but has its moments that test you. Children getting sick, disciplining them, helping them with homework and teaching them life lessons cannot be compared to sharing an ice cream with them. It is challenging but parents love their job.
The same goes for believers. We have to be careful to not go the route of being sugar. Sugar makes things sweet but doesn’t have antiseptic properties. It’s like raising kids and not disciplining them.
In Matthew 5, Jesus didn’t use salt to describe us in connection to taste alone. If that were the case I am sure he would have made reference to sugar. (No one after all wants to be called a salty Christian, you feel me?)
I believe Jesus used salt because of the many uses of salt in our lives including that of adding flavor or taste to food.
It is also worth noting that there is salt in all food and that Jesus’s statement didn’t ask us to BECOME salt but rather REVEALED that we ARE salt.
Salt has antiseptic abilities and is also used to preserve food. Quite a versatile spice if you ask me.
So let’s ask ourselves, what does it mean to be salt?
With the little that has been shared, I believe we are being called to preserve morality and keep the peace. As salt we also help clean up situations by allowing God to take out the trouble and bring in the calm. This is done by sharing the good news and living with Christ. The two are inseparable.
Sharing the good news means that you believe in the ways of God. It means one having interaction with Him through prayer and reading of the bible to understand Him better.
It means distinguishing right and wrong and being able to identify sin. It does not mean judging. It means living a life that others wish to emulate. People should be around you and know that you stand for Good, Peace and Truth.
In case my discussion of salt has not been helpful or one requires clarity on the subject, here is a link that helped me answer why God calls us salt and not sugar. I hope it helps you see the truth.
https://www.wisdomonline.org/devotionals/devotion_detail.html?id=811
Keep it One Hondred!