Salt in The Shaker is Nothing More Than Table Dressing

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men” (Matt. 5:13). Wow! Do I love this passage! It challenges me to consider so many scenarios of what Jesus was saying, first, to His disciples and secondly, to the rest of us who follow after them. The last time I read this passage, the Holy Spirit revealed a very key part of it that suddenly changed how I view the meaning. He says this: “how shall it be seasoned?” Jesus is speaking of the effect of salt on the earth; therefore, the word “it” refers to the world! Jesus is saying if we, as salt, lose our flavor, how will the earth be seasoned? If we do not season the earth by spreading the truth of the gospel, then the earth will no longer receive the truth. Therefore, we are the principal means of spreading the truth, and if we fail, the earth and all of those who inhabit it are at risk of never hearing the message of the gospel! Spreading the gospel is not an option. Living as Christ’s witnesses upon the earth is not an option. The very reason for our earthly existence is to further the message, otherwise, we are of no use. Am I the only one convicted right now? For what reason does the church body exist but to equip the saints and to train people in the ways of the Lord? Yes to all of the above and more. It does not and cannot end there. It ends with a purpose—to be salt to the world. And yes, I said it again. If our churches are places where people go to be redeemed, restored, and renewed, then praise God; however, if that is where it ends, we are in trouble. In my life I have known a number of people who seemed to thrive on education. There is even a term for them, “professional students.” I cannot think of a more selfish ambition than to be someone who is constantly filling their mind with knowledge and then never using that knowledge to help someone else. It is the height of selfishness disguised as a good thing: much like a church full of people who take in the Word only to keep it to themselves. Let it not be said that I am against education. I am simply stating that education gained for selfish reasons and improperly put to use can cause one to become pharisaical. Education is a powerful tool and should be used properly and in conjunction with the Holy Spirit in order to reach its proper potential. While I realize these statements and my position are not very popular, I’m not the one who wrote this and many other Scriptures with a similar message. I’m simply shedding light and saying what many are afraid to say. Therefore, I would ask this question, “What or who are you afraid of?” If this is you, don’t be trampled underfoot. If not, but it is someone you know, love them enough to encourage them in recognizing their purpose on earth. † Father, all too often we wallow in the selfish pit of need for redemption, confirmation, and education. Please forgive us, Lord, for our all too often failure to allow others to bathe in Your goodness. In Jesus’ name we ask these things. Amen.