“You are the salt of the earth.” Matthew 5:13
Jesus told His followers they were the salt of the earth. This was an obvious metaphor for how they should impact the world around them. Salt has many different uses. First, salt preserves food. Before refrigeration, people salted foods, which made them last significantly longer than they did when left unsalted. Salt also adds flavor to foods. Many foods would be bland and — to some — inedible without salt. So, adding salt makes dishes more palatable.
Salt holds back the corruption of meat and other foods. Salt is a great preservative and protector from decay.
Jesus is calling His Church to be the salt of the earth because He desires that each of us hold back the corruption and decay of the world. As a people of God, Jesus wants us to hold back the evils of the world.
Salt adds flavor and as such the followers of Jesus are called to renew the world and be part of its redemption.
Jesus calls you to be the salt of the earth. Jesus uses those who love and follow Him to help preserve this fallen world that has turned its back on Him. Jesus also uses you to spread the Word in a way that is easier for others to understand, easier for them to hear and digest, by adding flavor and depth to your words as you share the gospel. Salt brings out distinct flavors in food, just as believers can bring out the words of God to impact listeners in a positive way. Those who know Jesus, radiate His joy, and share His love add flavor to the world.
Look for ways today to be the salt of the earth in your words and actions.