The Unfun Task of Being Salt

"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."

Matthew 5:13

Salt seasons your food, freezes your ice cream, and keeps your car from sliding on an icy street. It soothes your sore throat, counteracts the bitterness of acidic foods, and makes water boil faster.

And it makes you really thirsty.

Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.”

Salt is pinched, tossed, passed, and shaken. It's kept in boxes, tins, shakers, and bags. It is thrown in water, sprinkled on raw meat, spun around and around inside ice cream freezers, and dumped on highways.

Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.”

Salt is versatile. Its use depends upon the need. And Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.”

Salt is applied in various ways. Its application depends upon the need. And Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.”

It is interesting to note in the Sermon on the Mount just where Jesus slipped in the comment about His people being the salt of the earth. He had just finished reminding them that they will be persecuted for righteousness. And right after He tells them that they are the salt of the earth, He launches into a lengthy discussion about how important it is for them to obey the law - but not just the rules of the law, but the principles and spirit behind those rules.

Very little of the world's vast quanities of salt is resting quietly inside cut crystal shakers on marble-topped tables in five star restaurants. Most is being used to help something else become better and will be unnoticed in the process. No fun. No flamboyance.

The Christian life is a great one, but it was never designed to be a life of luxurious leisure. The call is not to line up for an earthly coronation, but to present yourself for the Master's service. Wherever and however He chooses. It's about righteousness and obedience.

Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.”

Live righteously. Obey God’s word.

Be what He needs. When He needs it. Where He needs it. To be applied as He prescribes.

You are the salt of the earth.


©2007 Doug Ellingsworth