What comes to mind when you hear the term salty? Do you think of someone who is colorful or offensive or condescending? If you have heard that term used for someone, one of those descriptive words just may come to mind. Have you used that term for someone or yourself?
Sailors will often call someone who is higher in rank salty, especially the enlisted sailors. It not only means all those descriptive words mentioned above but also means they are experienced and wise. It comes from the idea that they have crossed a lot of sea water.
We are to be salty but in a different kind of way. Salt adds flavor, it seasons food. It preserves as well. Long before there was refrigeration, salt was used to preserve meat. Ever heard of salt pork? But if salt had lost its properties to flavor or preserve food, it was of no use anymore other than to be thrown in the street to make the path smoother.
If we are to be the salt of the earth, we cannot lose the properties that preserve and add flavor. We are to spread the message of Jesus, thereby both adding flavor to the world and preserving it. Telling others about Jesus will enhance their lives, even if they initially reject the message. Showing them Jesus through our actions and behavior will make their lives better, even if they don’t recognize it. If they do accept the message of Jesus and accept Him as Lord and Savior, they are preserved by gaining eternal life with Him. So, be the salt of the earth.
I pray we all spread the message of Jesus. I pray we show Jesus to others through our actions and behavior. I pray each one of us will hold onto our faith in Jesus and be the salt of the earth. Tell others about Jesus. Show others Jesus in your behavior. Hold onto your faith. Be the salt of the earth.
Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled under foot.”
Marty Pressey 