“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.” — Matthew 5:13
“Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” — Mark 9:50
One of the most prolific teaching occasions that Jesus ever presented to his followers was from what we call the Sermon on the Mount. One of the most prolific experiences my wife and I had while in Israel was sitting in that same field overlooking the Sea of Galilee where Jesus most likely shared these truths. Three of the gospel accounts record the words of our Lord on this occasion.
Salt was such an important commodity in the ancient culture that it was often used just like money. You could pay for goods with salt because of its universal appeal. Historians tell us that at times the Roman soldiers were paid in salt. This may be where the expression, “He’s not worth his salt” began. Salt was used as a preservative of certain foods, especially meat, making it last longer and keeping it from spoiling. Salt was also used to purify and cleanse. Placed on a flesh wound, it would kill germs and ward off infection. Gargling with salt had a similar effect — it still does. Now all of these characteristics and attributes of salt certainly are tempting for us to apply in developing spiritual truths from this teaching. Salt had great value, is a purifier and a preservative — and no doubt that is what Jesus intended us to be when he said, “You are the salt of the earth.” But Jesus was very specific and addressed only one characteristic of salt — its flavor! He said, if salt loses its flavor, how will you season it”? or in other words, “How will you restore it’s taste?”
How do Christians, who love the Lord, lose their flavor?Perhaps it’s the choices we make along the way. Many know that the basics of the Christian life are Bible study, prayer, and communion, which includes fellowship with our Lord and with other believers. When we let anyone of these areas begin to slide, I believe our walk with the Lord suffers and it doesn’t take long before it will become a serious heart issue.
Is there a solution to such a state as the loss of “flavor”? Well, Jesus answers his own question for the benefit of his disciples. He said, “Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another.” Is that another way of saying, return to what made you salty in the first place with Bible reading and study — prayer, communion and fellowship with the saints of God? I’m sure it is. But don’t overlook one more admonition from our Lord when he said, “and be at peace with one another.” If peace with someone in the body of Christ or a church is an issue with you — wouldn’t this be the perfect time to restore that flavor as well?
One final thought from Psalm 34:8:“Taste and see that the LORD is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” So stay salty, my friends. Maranatha!
Pastor Don
