The Salt of the Earth

There comes a time when we all have the opportunity to influence others, or what Jesus calls being the salt of the earth. You don’t have to be a great public speaker, a politician or someone in the clergy. It’s not necessary to be an employer or in a leadership position in a company. You aren’t required to be in the military, a civil servant or some other member of the government. Every one of us has the ability to share personal convictions, which can be a powerful thing. This is especially true for those of us who follow Christ because we are called to be the salt of the earth.

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matt 5:13-16)

Most people at some point share their beliefs with others, but if your beliefs are not based on truth then what good is sharing? If our personal opinions are founded on the latest scientific theories, on some form of religion or on what you’ve read in a newspaper, then they are just that – opinions. In the great scheme of things, our own personal feelings or opinions don’t really matter all that much, because everyone has personal opinions. What makes OUR opinion better than anyone else’s? The simple answer is that thoughts, opinions, and feelings – apart from God’s Word – don’t really matter at all. Personal beliefs, for all intents and purposes, are powerless. Millions of people hold very sincere views on life, love, politics, religion, and all the other things that make up our worldview. What gives power to our beliefs is the foundation they are built on. For the Christian this is, or at least SHOULD BE, the Word of God. The Word of God is what He has chosen to offer each of us the power to became one of His children. All the other methods we use may or may not make a real and lasting difference in another person’s life. This is the reason Jesus commanded His followers to directly influence the people we come into contact with. Not with psychology or religion, but with an example of a life touched by His grace and truth! THAT is the power of God to salvation.

Many (most?) people in the organized Christian church are not salt because they’re more like members of a social club. They gather together at times, hear some messages, stage events and concerts, etc. None of this is wrong, but it can be a distraction from what our primary purpose is, which is to INFLUENCE OTHERS. Being salt and light does not mean acting rude or condescending, but it does require sharing our faith. We need to go about our daily activities and glorify our Father in everything that we do. Sometimes that means we need to put a voice to our faith. Other times it means we need to just live the life we are empowered to live. As people see the peace and power of our lives they will be drawn to ask questions.  If we are ashamed to answer for Christ, then we have become the ‘tasteless salt’ He warns us about. We don’t need to try and generate interest as much as we need to live the life we are called to live. The Holy Spirit will work through us to attract those who see the difference that Christ can make in a life lived for Him.

It’s time to get a little salty.