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Matthew 5:13

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.

Jesus compares those who follow him to salt, a mineral that has many qualities.

Preservative. In many parts of the world, salt is rubbed into meat to keep it from spoiling. It extracts moisture leaving a less than desirable environment for bacteria to grow. Let’s pray that we will be a preserving influence in our families and communities, leaving a less desirable environment for sin to take hold.  

Healing Agent. Throughout history, salt packs have been used for wounds. Newborns were gently rubbed with salt to make their skin clean and firm. In a wounded and vulnerable world, let’s pray that we will serve as agents of healing.

Seasoning. I spoke with a chef who told me that if he had only one available seasoning, it would be salt. Salt is able to bring out and enhance the flavor of food. Let’s pray that we will be culture’s seasoning, bringing out the best “flavor” in our families and communities.

Most salt in Israel came from the Dead Sea and was filled with impurities. These impurities caused the salt to lose its flavor and effectiveness. Likewise, believers must follow hard after Jesus to guard against the impurities of sin and stay effective for Christ. Believers are the salt of the earth.

Talking to God

Lord Jesus, keep my heart pure from the impurities that render me ineffective. Help me serve you as a preserving and healing agent. Help me bring out the best in my family and friends. Help me be the salt of the earth. In your name, I pray. Amen.

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