Matthew 5:1-16
Verse 13
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
I am blessed to be married to an incredible woman who is extraordinarily anointed. One of several powerful messages she brought a while back was reinforced by the Spirit the other week. I re-packaged it and it blessed me again.
Salt had several uses in the Scriptures. It was used to punish a disobedient wife (Genesis 19:26); it symbolized a covenant (Numbers 18:19); and was used as an offering (Ezra 6:9) just to mention a few. Even today, salt is used for a variety of things: as a preservative, to melt ice, for traction and a spice for food. I have been told that salt is used in some baking recipes to bring out the flavor of other ingredients that would otherwise be dormant or bland.
In this text, Christ begins by explaining the Lord’s interpretation of those who are blessed: the poor in spirit, the meek, the peacemakers, those who are reviled and those whom men curse. This had to have been quite a change in what the people were accustomed to hearing and living. However, as only He can do, Jesus goes on to explain why …ye are the salt of the earth. If the salt has lost its flavor, it is good for nothing but to be trampled on.
God expects us to be salty. As Chosen people of God, we are expected to preserve our surroundings. Our families, place of employment, classrooms, communities and place of worship should not slip into decay while we stand unable to prevent it. Our lives should reflect the power of God and cause people to see an alternative; as Paul stated, a more excellent way. As people of God we should make life more exciting and interesting for those around us. Not with gossip or ungodly communication, but merely by living a holy life and being living epistles read of men. We should also be bold about it.
Have you ever sat down to eat and picked up a fork full of bland collard greens? You may have reached for the salt shaker and sprinkled a little on the greens. The salt doesn’t ask the greens if it is okay to change their taste. The salt doesn’t ask your tongue permission to alter the flavor of the food it has been sampling. As soon as the salt makes contact with the greens, there is a difference. As soon as the greens enter your mouth, there is a difference. Salt doesn’t ask meats or other perishable foods if it is okay to keep bacteria and other micro organisms out; the salt just takes over. Christians should be the same.
I believe everywhere my feet step I have an obligation to make things better. My co-workers should be blessed because I work with them. My family should be better because I live and interact with them. Every worship service I attend is great because I am there and I add a little salt. Though Paul and Silas were locked up in jail, didn’t they add a little salt to the prison and those around them? Their praise was so salty that even though the doors were opened, the other prisoners remained because they enjoyed the service so much. Fearing the inmates had escaped, the prison guard started to commit suicide – but not so. Paul and Silas testified that everyone was accounted for and the guard was spared.
The next time there is unrest at your office – put a little salt on it; the next time there are problems in your marriage – put a little salt on it; the next time you’re in worship service and things are a little bland – don’t just sit there, put a little salt on it. What’s the salt? It could be your praise, your testimony, your anointed prayer or just your godly presence. It is anything and everything you do to invite God’s presence.
I bless you in the Name of the Lord!
Pastor Eddie B Pruitte, Jr.