CHRISTIANS CALLED SALT

Sunday January 18, 2015

CHRISTIANS CALLED SALT

Matthew 5:13. 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.

Jesus used the concepts of salt and light a number of different times to refer to the role of His followers in the world. One example is found in Matthew 5:13: “You are the salt of the earth. But 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 by men.” Salt had two purposes in the Middle East of the first century. Because of the lack of refrigeration, salt was used to preserve food, especially meat which would quickly spoil in the desert environment. Believers in Christ are preservatives to the world, preserving it from the evil inherent in the society of ungodly men whose unredeemed natures are corrupted by sin (Psalm 14:3; Romans 8:8).

 
Second, salt was used then, as now, as a flavor enhancer. In the same way that salt enhances the flavor of the food it seasons; the followers of Christ stand out as those who “enhance” the flavor of life in this world. Christians, living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and in obedience to Christ, will inevitably influence the world for good, as salt has a positive influence on the flavor of the food it seasons. Where there is strife, we are to be peacemakers; where there is sorrow, we are to be the ministers of Christ, binding up wounds, and where there is hatred, we are to exemplify the love of God in Christ, returning good for evil (Luke 6:35).

In the analogy of light to the world, the good works of Christ’s followers are to shine for all to see. The following verses in Matthew 5 highlight this truth: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16, NASB). The idea here is similar—the presence of light in darkness is something which is unmistakable. The presence of Christians in the world must be like a light in the darkness, not only in the sense that the truth of God’s Word brings light to the darkened hearts of sinful man (John 1:1-10), but also in the sense that our good deeds must be evident for all to see.

In view of these verses, what sorts of things can hinder or prevent you from fulfilling your role as salt and light in the world this year? Make a choice to live for Christ, any choice on your part which blurs the distinction between you and the rest of the world is a step in the wrong direction.

Meditation Point

The losses of saltiness occur in the failure of the Christian to daily take up the cross and follow Christ wholeheartedly. Only by remaining focused on Christ and being obedient to Him can we expect to remain salt and light in the world.

Prayer Point

Almighty God, give me grace that I cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, that throughout this year I shall in glorious majesty shine for Christ
 - Dr. Halidu Abraham(MBBS, FWACS)


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