Do not lose your saltiness

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. Matthew 5:13

The Sermon on the Mount was also referred to as “Beatitudes” or “Beautiful Attitudes.” It describes what the inner attitude should be of those who surrendered their lives to Christ. We can be tempted to live this life in isolation when we think that this inner attitude be kept to ourselves. This is contrary to what Jesus said from our text. The Lord Jesus Christ says that believers are "salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13 CSB). Our very presence halts corruption and preserves society. It is impossible to live these attitudes of the kingdom in private. They are powerfully social and outward when put to work. When He told His disciples how they should live their lives, it sounded absurd for they were poor, uneducated, and few yet they should provide positive influence to the world. They have this huge task that will affect vast numbers of people. And they did; “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too” (Acts 17:6). Salt is amazingly beneficial; it creates thirst, adds flavor, increasing the delicious taste of most foods. But don't miss what Jesus adds, "But if the salt has become tasteless" (meaning, "the salt has lost its uniqueness"), "It is no longer good for anything." Jesus introduces not an imaginary warning but a real one. Take away the Christian's distinctive contribution, and nothing of worthwhile value remains. We become "no longer good for anything," exactly as the Lord puts it. We must do the work God called us to do or we lose our influence and become as insignificant as a layer of dust on city streets “and trampled under people’s feet.” We must take heed of this warning. Ponder upon these three practical, positive aspects of salt. First, salt is shaken and sprinkled and not poured; it must be spread out. This reminds us that we are called to spread out rather than stay huddled all together. Second, though obscure, salt adds flavor. No one ever comments, "Wow, this is good salt." We frequently say, however, "The food is really tasty." Christ’s followers add zest to life. Third, salt is unlike any other seasoning; it must be applied before it is useful. Salt in the saltshaker does nothing unless shaken out. It is tragic when we forget that God called us to provide influence to others instead we surrendered our minds to worldliness. Unguarded, our minds could be taken captive by the system of the world that our salt has become diluted and in some cases nonexistent. “Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ. For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority” (Colossians 2:8-10).

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com