When we want to stress a person’s worth we often say that he or she is the salt of the earth. In the ancient world, salt was highly valued. The Greeks called salt divine. The Church is to be the salt of the world. What does salt do to make it important?

1 – Preserves

Christians are to preserve the world. In a time before refrigerators and freezers it was salt that preserved meat beyond its normal shelf life. It had to be rubbed into the meat. The Church has to be in the world but not part of it. We are to be the salt and not the meat.

2 – Purifies

Salt is to be white if it is going to be of any use. When salt starts to go brown it is of no use. Christians must lead holy lives if they want to affect the world. Salt that has gone off will have no effect. It is salt that is pure that has an impact on the world.

3 – Heals

If you get a wound then salt is good. It hurts at first then it gets better and so does the wound. The message we bring must hurt but then it heals. Sugar is no good for a wound. It may not hurt but it does not heal. Too many Christians want to bring a message of sugar rather than salt. Christ wants us to be salt, not sugar in the world. It is salt that brings healing.

4 – Thirst

It is salt that makes us thirsty for water. Christians are to make others thirsty to come to Jesus, the giver of water that will last forever. If the salt is not sure then it won’t work.

5 – Flavour

Salt is an important ingredient in cooking to make something bland taste much better. Without the salt the meat is missing its main flavour. The Church adds flavour to the world. Without it God would brings things to an end.

6 – Fertilise

It helps kill weeds and things grow. The Church was left behind by Christ until He returns. Each Christian has the Holy Spirit within to help kill sin and convict unbelievers so that can also grow in Christ.

Categories: Matthew