“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” Matthew 5:13 

According to Dictionary.com, salt of the earth means, “an individual or group considered as representatives of the best or noblest elements of society.” 

Getting older provide opportunities to reminisce and reflect on the past and for me it brings about great joy. The month of November for me has always been more than a time to celebrate Thanksgiving, for I can remember when it was a time that people in communities came together as community to plan and prepare food for the upcoming winter months. It appeared that the community came together to ensure that everyone had enough food to eat and there was a sense of comradery, self-sufficiency and pride. Almost every farmer in the country (rural area) had what we called a smoke house. The smoke house was the place the meat was stored for the winter after it had been heavily salted down. It was considered a sacred and off-limits place that may have been under lock and key.  Salt was used as a means of preserving the meat, for the only means of storing or saving some foods was in what was an ice box. Freezers and refrigerators were just coming into households in the country. Just imagine, no freezer or refrigerator. Those who came to the community gathering received something from the event, even if they did not bring a commodity, for it was like a production line where sausage was being made, crackling was being fried, hogs were being hung on gallows and cleaned. It was a great day in the community for fellowship and the preserving of homemade fresh foods. It was a means of survival.

What I remember also is how inexpensive salt was at the time and how we used it so freely to preserve the meats in the smoke house. It was amazing how long the meat would last once it had been salted down.        

One of the greatest compliments that can be bestowed upon a person is to be referred to as “salt of the earth.” It is used even today to describe a person who is honest, honorable, humble and good. Those who are considered salt of the earth are to have a positive impact on the world and be able to slow down the moral decay in society. Just think about that for a moment. Have we as a nation lost our saltiness?  Have we as Christians lost our saltiness and now ready to be thrown out and no longer used? Are we losing our usefulness as disciples of Jesus Christ?

We Christians, salt of the earth, are expected to live a life of purity and be flavor in such a way that we are a blessing to others through our good works.  

It is believed that Jesus may have used this metaphor with His disciples who were called to be preservatives in the world, slowing down moral and spiritual decay. It appears we are losing in this cause, but we must continue be the example to the world.   

Matthew 5:13 tells us we are valuable and God can use us to have a positive impact on our neighbors, families, church, enemies, etc. As followers of Christ, we are expected to be different, set apart and live righteous lives.  If we lose our flavor, we are of no benefit or value to anyone else.         

When we truly love people for who they are, it can cause them to feel worthy and reveal the best of themselves. We can encourage them to be better and to grow, just as salt adds wonderful flavor to food, we can be flavor to our brothers and sisters. 

How can we as Christians be the salt of the earth? Christians can be salt of the earth by continuing to grow in our relationship with Christ. As we continue to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us, we can let go of things of the world, and focus more on eternal things. Our attention can be directed more on Christ than status, material wealth, awards, kudos and degrees.

Charles Spurgeon puts it this way, “We are here as “salt of the earth” to be a blessing to the world. We are here to glorify Christ in our daily life. We are here as workers of him, as workers together with him.”   

Take time today and add a little flavor to someone’s life, for you are called to be “salt of the earth.” 

Not a sermon, just my thoughts!

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor