salty......?

“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 underfoot.

Matt 5:13 NIV

When I was new to the faith, I remember reading this scripture before a prayer meeting and asking God to help us to be "the seasoning salt of the Earth". I remember someone telling me it's salt, not seasoning salt! Although it may seem silly to reference ourselves as seasoning salt, should we? Let's take a deeper look...

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus says we are the salt of the Earth. My immediate thought was, "What is salt"? Salt is defined as a white crystalline substance that gives seawater its characteristic taste and is used for seasoning or preserving food. Reading the definition made me think about the distinction of salt and how it preserves and enhances. Salt can be used to bring out the flavors in sweet and savory dishes. Salt's versatility lies in its ability to transform flavors, making everything it touches more! Okay, enough about salt, but this metaphor provides insight into our role in the world. As Christians, we are called to enrich the lives of those around us. Just like salt, bringing out the best in our communities where we have influence!

When we operate in our God-given purpose, we enhance the lives of others, offering hope, love, and guidance. We have the privilege of bringing others into the joy of salvation, into the joy of identity as a child of God reflecting Him in our lives! However, when we fail to be salty (not living as a reflection of Jesus Christ), we risk becoming "useless" in the sense of not contributing to the building of God's Kingdom. Dimming our light, living lives that lack the impact it is meant to have.

We must embrace the privilege and joy of being the salt of the Earth. As we lean on the Holy Spirit to guide us, God's loving-kindness that drew us will draw others to Him. And by submitting to God's will, we will live a purposeful life as a child of God. When we do this, we not only enhance the lives of others and build our Father's kingdom but also enrich our own at the same time. How can you be salty in the every day?!?!