It is interesting that Jesus compares Christians to Salt. Christ could have referred to us as Gold or Silver or any other precious stone. But he chose Salt. This is because of the impact that salt has on its surroundings. Salt has more than 14,000 known uses. Everyone uses salt, directly and indirectly. Someone once said that "Salt is what makes things taste bad when it isn't in them.
From a Historical Perspective, the early Greeks placed great value on salt. In fact the saying “Not Worth his Salt” was taken from the Greeks as they used to trade slaves for salt. The Romans would often pay their soldiers with salt. They referred to the process as salarium. Incidentally, this is the forerunner of the English word for salary. Not to be outdone, the Egyptians used salt in the preparation of Mummies.
Salt has also had a major role in the history of the Bible. In Leviticus 2:13 God commanded that the meat offering "shall be season with salt and with all the offerings unto God that salt shall be offered." In Genesis 19: 26 Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt when she turned back to look at Sodom. And in 2 Kings 2:20 Elisha healed the waters of Jericho to conquer the bareness of the land by using salt. And of course there is Jesus who said "Salt is good." Luke 14:34
7 Ways that Christians are Like Salt
1. Salt has a healing component to it. Epson Salt is used to cure tired and sore feet. In warm water, salt can relieve sore and bruised gums. Just as we are healed through the stripes of Jesus Christ, as Christians -God gives us power to heal through the spoken word and through the laying on of hands (John 14:12).
2. Salt is a Preservative. It preserves its environment and keeps things from going rotten. As Christians, we must allow God to use us to prevent rottenness in our communities by lifting up the name of Jesus Christ (John 12:32).
3. Salt is a De-Icer. We use Rock Salt to melt snow and Ice off our roads. As Christians God has called us through his grace and mercy to bring love, peace and joy to a cold and Icy world. Christ said “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples if you have love one for another.” (John 13:35)
4. Salt is used to season or transform food. It adds flavor. We often delay the start of our dinner for the addition of Salt. Therefore, Born Again believers must bring flavor and seek to transform their environment through actions, and words (Romans 12:1-2).
5. Salt is an odor eater. It removes the smell of odor from onion hands, and helps prevent odors in our shoes. We need to be a sweet smelling savor for our Lord. (Ephesians 5:2) In fact, God wants his people to be an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice that is well pleasing to God. (Philippians 4:18)
6. Salt is a Cleansing Agent. It cleans grease spots on rugs; whitens whites and brightens colors. As the blood of Jesus cleanses our souls, we must seek to have a cleansing affect on the world. And “If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
7. Salt is a Distinguisher of Flames. As Christians we have the power through the shield of faith to quench all the fiery darts of the devil (Ephesians 6:16).
In conclusion, I am compelled to ask the question, How Salty are You? One final observation: Salt must be spread or sprinkled. So as followers of Jesus, we must employ ourselves as salt shakers. Therefore, the next time you sit down for dinner and prepare to season your food, remember the impact that you should have on your community, and for Heaven's sake, Please: pass the salt.
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