Ye are the salt of the earth, but if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men. Matthew 5:13
Salt is very common in our part of the world; actually, it’s very common just about everywhere in the world. As a result, it is relatively inexpensive. But what a difference a little salt can make on some foods! If I make a cookie and forget the salt, the cookie takes longer to eat. The savour of the salt is something to appreciate. If the savour was not there, the salt would be useless, just like a Christian who had no likeness to the Lord Jesus.
It’s hard to find a substitute for salt. Sugar won’t do, even though it might look the same. Pepper has an entirely different taste, as do flour, baking powder, or soda, or most of the other condiments that can be found in a kitchen. Salt has its own savour, and if it is missing, its absence is obvious. The same is true of a Christian’s testimony, if the savour of Christ is lacking, nothing else can truly take its place. The world has nothing that compares to a life that reflects the character of the Lord Jesus. A Christian who has a love for lost souls is nothing like a Christian who is consumed by the stock market and the latest economic statistics. A Christian who recites Scripture and hums hymns is nothing like a Christian who can recite the top tunes on the hit parade or list the latest Oscar nominations. A Christian who loves to serve and help other Christians is nothing like the Christian who is wrapped up in the latest self-help movement. There is just no substitute for the influence of the Lord Jesus in our lives. Others will notice the difference.
Our text reminds us that we are the salt of the earth, and asks how the earth will be salted without us. The answer, of course, is that it won’t. All of the corruption and godlessness around us would be so much worse if a few Christians weren’t around. Like salt, we act as a preservative. As long as we are part of the world, we have an influence that slows the corruption that is destroying our society. The salt of the life of believers will all be gone at the Rapture. It is only under those conditions that the man of sin, old 666, the antichrist, will be able to emerge. We cannot imagine how corrupt this world will be when he takes over. But until the Rapture, we must be the salt that this world needs.
It is the Holy Spirit living in us that enables us to be the salt of the earth. We retain our savour as we yield to His guidance. -Jim MacIntosh