You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how shall it be made salty? It is from then on good for nothing but to be thrown out and to be trampled underfoot by men.

— Matthew 5:13

Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t want to get out of their “saltshakers.” They are very comfortable. Why some of them even have stained glass walls! These people don’t want to get in contact with the “meat,” because maybe it is already beginning to get rotten and corrupted. They don’t want to get their hands on it, and so they avoid it. They are not functioning as salt.

Salt has a number of qualities. It stings. If you get salt in a wound, you will know it is there. Salt also heals. We are to be the healing work of Christ in the world, and that does sting. Sometimes people don’t like the thought of causing that uncomfortable feeling, and so they don’t get involved with that healing work of Christ.

Another thing salt does is to bring out the flavor in many dishes. That is what Christians should do. Salt also, of course, preserves. We, as Christians, are called to preserve that which is best in our culture. We are called to be salt, to go out and bring out the best in others.

Question to ponder:
Can you think of a recent time where you or some other believer has acted as salt in our decaying culture?