Words from the Rock
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its salty taste, it cannot be made salty again. It is good for nothing, except to be thrown out and walked on.
Matthew 5:13 NCV
When Jesus described his followers as “salt,” they probably got it. Or at least they understood that he was saying something good. Although we don’t think much of salt today—it’s cheap and available everywhere—salt was a highly prized commodity back when Jesus said this. And for his followers to be compared to salt meant they had value too.
I remember a time when my husband’s parents were on a salt-free diet. They invited us to dinner, which was some kind of a stew with parsnips and some other vegetables, all without salt. And there was no salt to be had in the house either. That stew was so bland that it was difficult to eat more than a bite or two. In fact, I think I can honestly say it was the worst meal I’d ever eaten. Okay, I’m not crazy about parsnips, but I might’ve been able to eat them with a bit of salt. That night I realized how valuable salt is.
When Jesus says we’re to be salt, it’s no small thing. He’s saying that our lives, our hearts, our commitment to him should be so savory and flavorful that people will smack their lips and ask for more. Okay, maybe that’s stretching the metaphor a bit. But he is saying that he wants us to make a difference. He wants us to be a tasty sample of his love, his forgiveness, his kindness, so that people around us will want seconds.
My Prayer
Dear God,
Help me to be a flavorful sample of what you have to offer for everyone. Show me how to live my life in a way that makes others hungry for you.
Amen.
Final Word
Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions.
Colossians 4:6 CEV
Stone for the Journey
I want to add zest and seasoning to the world around me.