Bible Reading: Genesis 5; Ezra 5; Matthew 5; Acts 5
Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his 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.
Salt was an indispensible necessity for food preservation in the days of Jesus. Salt has many uses. Not only is it used to flavor food but it is used to preserve and stop rancidity. Jesus tells his followers that we are the salt of the earth. What does that mean?
Believers bring flavor to life. A little salt can be spread on meat and the entire taste will be changed. Have you ever been in a situation where you are the only believer present and you live differently, but not aloof from the rest? They act different when you are around. You can also bring the blessings of God to the situation you are in. Do you remember the story of Joseph? The Bible says:
Genesis 39:5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field.
The Lord BLESSED the Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake! That is flavoring salt!
Salt also preserves. A little salt can be spread on meat and the entire piece of meat will be preserved. As believers, we take the gospel of Jesus Christ with us and share it with others. Our world is like a piece of meat that would go rancid quickly without the presence of believers scattered through it. The Bible says:
1 Corinthians 7:13-14 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
In a marriage where there is only one believer, the unbeliever is sanctified by the one who walks with Christ. The children have the salty effect of the believing parent on them.
What about the believer who is not salty? That believer who does not share their faith or pray for the lost around them is, according to Jesus, worthless. Good for nothing but paving gravel for the road is the one who has lost his savor. If you want to have savor, walk with the Savior!
In Christ,
Rody
