Let Us Be People of Salt
In Luke 14:34-35, Mrk 9:50 and Matt 5:13, Jesus tells His disciples that they are like salt. But notice something important: Jesus doesn’t say, “Become people like salt,” but rather, “You already are people of salt.”
This tells us that the calling of being salt is not optional. For example, the roles of pastors, elders or members of the worship team are optional which means not everyone will become a pastor, elder, worship team member. However, the calling to be salt is something given to everyone who believes in Jesus. Therefore, to be honest, we don’t even need to say, “Let’s become people of salt.” We are already people of salt.
Then, what is the problem? As we have seen above, the Bible does not question whether they are salt or not. The issue it raises is whether or not the salt still has its flavour (Matt 5:13).
The Bible categorizes salt into two types: salty salt and non-salty salt. It doesn’t separate believers from non-believers as all believers are salt. Among believers, some are salty salt, and others are tasteless salt. We must all strive to be salty salt.
Characteristics of Salt
Let’s look at some characteristics of salt that the Bible acknowledges.
- Salt Adds Flavour
Is there any meal you eat each day that doesn’t include salt? Without salt, food is tasteless (Job 6:6). To add flavour means someone is indispensable. It means someone whom is joyful to work with and things move forward when that person is present.
Who would you prefer to work with? Someone who is clever and full of ideas, or someone who is wealthy and can provide ample support? While these types of people are certainly needed, in reality, the most essential people are those who take responsibility. We do not want to work with people who only make impressive speeches but do not follow through.
Beloved congregation, may you fulfil the mission that God had entrusted to you and become salty salt in the church, essential and responsible, in the name of the Lord. Amen!
- Salt Prevents Decay
The second characteristic of salt is that it prevents decay, meaning it preserves (Num 18:19). When God made a covenant, He used salt, signifying an eternal, unchanging covenant.
In Lev 2:13, God commands the Israelites to season their grain offerings with salt to prevent decay, symbolizing the preservation of the covenant. If we are salty salt, we should know how to preserve our faith. Our faith must not decay or change.
The founding pastor once shared about the six reasons why faith decays and salt loses it flavour:- falsehood, hypocrisy, cunning, darkness, and lack of truth. When these things enter our lives, our faith decays, and we become tasteless salt.
Jesus warns in Mark 13:22 that false Christs and false prophets will attempt to deceive even the elect if possible. Therefore, let us remain vigilant and preserve our faith to remain salty salt, not losing our flavour, in the name of the Lord.
- Salt Heals
When the prophet Elisha stayed in Jericho, the people reported a problem with the water. Elisha threw salt into the water and declared that God had healed it, ensuring there would no longer be death or unfruitfulness (2 Kings 2:19-21).
It is said that during the Korean War, many people used roast salt to treat wounds when medicine was scarce. Powders of roasted salt prevents infection of the wounds, which often led to healing. Thus, we can say that salt plays a role in healing and preserving life.
Firstly, regarding physical wounds, the Bible instructs us to pray for one another (James 5:14-15).
Secondly, regarding emotional wounds, the Bible tells us to be careful with our words.
Romans 15:1 “Now we who are strong ought to bear the weakness of those without strength and not just please ourselves.”
When we pray for one another’s healing and speaking with care, I believe our church will experience a history of healing and the preservation of life.
Conclusion:
Salt must dissolve to bring out its flavour. In other words, self-sacrifice is necessary for us to fully fulfil our roles as salty salt.
May each of you fulfil the mission of being salt-bringing flavour, remaining steadfast, and contributing to healing. In the name of the Lord we pray, Amen!
The Lord's Covenant Church Malaysia 