You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. (NIV) Matthew 5:13
During Biblical times, salt was used as a seasoning and as a preservative. When a little salt was rubbed on meat, the meat decayed at a slower pace than if left untreated. Jesus used this example of salt to show the potential influence that we can have on our world around us. Those who claim to follow Jesus are to act as a “preservative” in their surroundings.
But, it’s the salt that retains its saltiness that is effective. Salt that loses its saltiness (or preservative nature) is useless. Christians who live according to God’s principles are effective “preservatives” in today’s world.
So, how salty are you? How are you “preserving” God’s norms in your home? Workplace? Club? Church? When do you “rub” shoulders with those who are doomed to “decay”? How are you acting as an agent that stops or delays moral “decay” in the schools in your community? In your neighborhood? How are you actively preserving God’s reputation? God’s honor? God’s Kingdom?
Salt that loses it saltiness is useless. . .Christians that are “un-Christlike” are useless in the world. . . How salty are you?
