You Are Salt

Did you know Jesus calls you SALT—the salt of the earth? It’s an interesting concept that believers are salt in this world. So, why did Jesus choose to call us salt?

Matthew 5:13

ESV – “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how
shall its saltiness be restored?”

NASB – “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become
tasteless, how can it be made salty again?”

Jesus made a simple statement. It was positive: you are. He didn’t say ‘if you feel like it, then you are…’ You—as a child of God, a believer of Jesus and His finished work—are the salt of the earth. You’re the salt the earth needs for spiritual life and survival. It was and still is today a profound statement with a profound call to each of us. YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH.

Many years ago Jack began his doctoral dissertation on being the salt of the earth. I learned a lot from reading his research and typing up his paper. It impacted both of us so much, we called our first ministry Salt Mine Ministries which continued for some 20+ years and included individual Bible studies through each book of the Bible, as well as prison outreach with these materials. We sprinkled a little salt on believers, and they continued passing the salt shaker to others.

In order to understand our part as salt in this world, I believe a quick overview of what salt actually does in our bodies will be helpful and provide a better picture of why Jesus called us the salt of the earth, and how we are to be salt to the world, which we’ll look at further next week.

What are your first thoughts of salt? If you’ve been restricted by your doctor, you probably say I can’t have much salt. Otherwise, you may first think that your food needs salt. We want to see a spiritual correlation of the Body of Christ needing and being the Salt of the earth. We’ll look at the physical and health benefits to salt in our physical bodies so we can better understand its necessity for our lives. So, what are the benefits of salt?

If you Google search salt, you’ll find a lot of information. I’m basically condensing by highlighting the importance salt has for our human bodies. Here are some of the benefits:

1. Salt helps you stay hydrated. Doctors tell us our bodies need a balance of sodium and potassium for optimum health.
2. Salt promotes good vascular health throughout our body.
3. Salt balances electrolytes and prevents muscle cramping.
4. Salt aids and supports a healthy nervous system. It is essential for nerve and muscle functioning, transmitting nerve impulses.
5. Sufficient salt improves sleep. It helps in contracting and relaxing muscle fibers, and maintains a proper fluid balance in the body.
6. Salt is essential for sustaining the hydration levels of the body.

We can see just how important salt is in our physical bodies. If we don’t get enough or we get too much, we can experience other physical problems. Please don’t change your salt intake, especially if ordered by your doctor. We’re pointing out the necessity of salt and correlating how we are that salt in the world.

I will add that salt enhances the flavor of the food you are eating. I’m sure you know that restaurants serving delicious steaks ‘season’ them before grilling and salt is used. Salt brings the flavors of your food to the forefront.

Salt also can make you thirsty. You’ve experienced this aspect I’m sure when you’ve had highly seasoned or spicy foods and after eating, you’re still thirsty and drink more water.

Years back I learned of a German type of pottery that used salt in glazing and sealing pottery.

There are so many uses of salt. It’s something everyone needs, and most people enjoy. Are you getting a better picture of why Jesus called you the salt of the earth?

As a child of God, you are salt to the world. You can make others thirsty for Jesus. You can be salt in the Body of Christ that promotes good vascular health. Your saltiness can aid in building up the Body, providing a balance of His love, His gifts, and His grace. You can help the Body stay hydrated in the fulness of Jesus as you pass the salt shaker to others. You are important, and your saltiness is needed in this world. YOU ARE SALT.