I had a meeting with a friend and ministry co-laborer this week. As our conversation wrapped up, he said, about our investment in the ministry of our Lord, that he just wanted to be “…the salt, not the entree.” As soon as he said that, I knew I had to share it.
Called to be Salt
My friend was referencing Jesus’ words to His disciples.
Early on, Jesus gathered His disciples and said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men” (Matthew 5:13).
Jesus’ ministry was beginning, and these disciples needed to understand some profound truths before His departure and their new Christian responsibility and mission.
What does the salt of the earth mean? Salt has historically been a precious commodity of high value. It both preserves and enhances the flavor of food. To have salt told that your food would last longer and taste better. It’s a delightful element to have around.
From an Old Testament perspective, God made a “covenant of salt” with Aaron and his family, as well as with David and his family (Num. 18:19, 2 Chron. 13:5). While it’s not explicitly stated, a covenant of salt implies that God’s commitment to His people was like salt is to food. He also instructed the priests to season all their grain offerings with salt “so that the salt of the covenant of your God shall not be lacking” (Lev. 2:13). The priests did not own land and did not have jobs outside of the temple, so the offerings of the people met their physical needs. Their life revolved around and was sustained by offerings made by God’s people. God took care to delight those who were taking care of others. Amazing.
And so, when Jesus tells His disciples that they (and all Christ-followers) are the “salt of the earth,” He guides them in both the beginning and the continuation of their Christian mission. First, in the same way, salt enhances the taste of food, the disciples were to enhance the lives of those around them. The reason? So they could bring the “light of the world” to bear on the dark lives of the unbelieving world. Secondly, in the same way salt preserves food, the disciples being the “salt of the earth,” continually yield works that others “may see…and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16b).
How Does This Apply To Us Today?
- In the same way salt enhances food, the Christian enhances any environment they find themselves in to bring in the world’s light.
- In other words, my excellence in work gives me a testimony to my co-workers that otherwise would not exist if I cut corners or slouched.
- In the same way salt preserves food, the Christian preserves relationships, communities, churches, the family, culture, and civilization by doing good deeds that others “may see and glorify God who is in heaven.”
- Thus, “a long biblical obedience in the same direction” preserves and sustains life.
- Finally, our lives–being salt–points to Christ. Paul said, “We proclaim Him” (Colossians 1:28).
- Christ is the focus, not the salt. Christ is the aim, not the salt. Our lives are lived pointing to Him.
Thank you, my friend, for your timely word. God help us.
— July 27, 2022