Matthew 5:13

New International Version

“You are the salt of the earth.”

For Meditation

He asked for it and got more than he could handle. Out of concern for food hygiene in Africa, our guest from America asked my wife to use salt to clean the vegetables for his salad. She politely obliged. Let’s say his face at the table said it all. He quickly reversed himself and told my wife to prepare the next meal her way.

Salt is good, but what happens when your food gets a disproportionate dose?

The alternative option is the story of my late centenarian grandmother. She always asked me to eat with her from her bowl, and when I missed a meal, she would leave my portion for me to eat in front of her. Lovely, right? The problem was that her food was without salt. Sometimes, I would distract her and sneak some into it, but can you imagine the few times I got too much in? From the frying pan to the fire!

The point is this. Salt makes food taste better. However, unguarded use renders it useless for the needs of its user. A proper and measured application is always necessary to delight your dinner guest.

When Jesus called His disciples the salt of the world (Matthew 5:13), he meant figuratively that we are His agents of improvement to better the world where He has us. His presence in us and the expression of His life through the indwelling Holy Spirit should flavor the tasteless world around us.

The expression of the Master of Ceremonies at the Cana wedding after tasting the water Jesus had turned into wine is eloquent about what happens when Jesus comes into a hopeless situation (John 2:10). The dying party suddenly came alive, and he loved it. The guests had enjoyed the cheaper wine without knowing its inferiority until Jesus provided heaven’s best.

The people of this world remain oblivious to the inferiority of their station until they encounter a divine visitation. They do not know the debased condition of their lives until Christ comes in. That’s why grace is so amazing! (Ephesians 2:1-5).

The world feels comfortable with what they have dived into and mesmerized themselves with these days. But let them taste Christ in you where you are and see how quickly they will let go to come and follow Him with you.

We have the best in Christ to present to the world to meet their needs. However, we should be careful with how we relate and carry ourselves among people. Otherwise, we could be careless, overbearing, and condescending with our messaging – the toxic agents of our witness and influence. As Jesus said

“If the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot” (Matthew 5:13b).

A good testimony lost with people is difficult to win back. No influence is left but snobbery and rejection.

So, carefully handle the saltshaker in your hand and make life tastier for the world around you.