Salt

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus states "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?  It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet." (Matthew 5:13)

Two interesting ideas behind this.  The first idea I want to touch is what it means to be the salt of the earth. Well, the people who he would be talking to would know a lot about salt.  It was used as a preservative, a seasoning for food, and in burnt offerings to God.  Salt was important to them, and it is important to us.  Your body cannot function without salt.  You have taste buds specifically for salt.

So what does this mean?

We are important to the earth.  It needs our flavor, our ability to preserve the good, and to be an offering to God.

What is the seasoning that you bring?

Jesus said, "Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."  (Mark 9:50)

We are also called to be salt in a way that brings peace.  Preserve, season, sacrifice... in a way that brings peace to those around you.  Not that you can't stand up for what you believe or ever disagree, but do so in love, joy, PEACE, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

What gifts has God given you to be His salt?

::Reflection time::

The other part that Jesus mentions is about losing saltiness.  Here's the deal: salt does not ever break down.  Salt does not in itself stop becoming salty.  However, salt will take on the things around it and become polluted.  Once salt has become polluted, it will not taste or preserve like salt; instead, it will be like what polluted it.

We have to add to the world without taking in so much of the world in that it changes who God created us to be.

What is polluting you? What do you need to turn over to God? Are you willing to listen to what He calls you to do with it?

Be the salt of the earth in a way that allows God to work through you and bring peace to the Earth.