Worth Your Salt

Throughout history, salt has been precious to man. It once traded for gold. It was used as currency in China. Our English word salary comes from the Roman word "salarium" which means allowance of salt. (This is where the expression, "Not worth his salt" comes from!) Without salt the human body would cease to function. It was in this environment Jesus told his followers that they were the salt of humanity. They recognized that they were valuable, even necessary, life!

Salt preserves. Salt penetrates. Salt changes whatever it touches. It makes a difference. As a preserving agent, salt would ward off rot and decay. Before refrigeration meat would be rubbed with salt. I know some of you have enjoyed salt cured ham on the farm. As Christians we preserve society. Abraham learned this lesson when God said he would spare Sodom if 10 righteous
people could be found.

Salt flavors. I know some of you are on a sodium free diet, but you miss the flavor salt gives to beans, French fries, and eggs. I believe with all my heart that Christians add flavor to life. Jesus came that we might have life to the full.

Salt purifies. Have you ever gargled salt water for a sore throat? Ever had ketchup with a sore in your mouth? Ouch! Salt in a wound can cleanse the area. As Christians we help purify our world with truth. Sometimes this truth can sting a little. We believe in right and wrong. We have boundaries.

When Jesus gives us the name of "salt", He is reminding us of our responsibility to influence the world. We make a difference. I hope this week you will look for opportunities to preserve, flavor, and purify your world. You are salt! And salt changes everything!

October 12, 2006