Salt of the Earth

Reflections for this date are based on the following scripture passages:
Mark 7	Mark 8	Mark 9	Genesis 49	Genesis 50	Psalms 21

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men." (Matthew 5:13)
"This is our Lord’s but if the salt should lose its flavor, how can you make it salty? Have salt among yourselves and be at peace with one another." (Mark 9:49-50)
"Now, salt is good, but if salt should lose its taste, how will it be made salty?" (Luke 14:34)

The above three verses referring to Jesus' followers as being salt are the only such references in the New Testament. Though each of these references has a similar meaning each has a different context, expanding its meaning. To bring this meaning into focus let's consider the attributes of salt. We know of salt as a preservative, as a flavor enhancement, as a disinfectant, and as a promoter of health.

Next let's consider the context in which these three references to Jesus' followers as salt are used. The first reference, in Matthew, is spoken by Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount and is given in the context of persecution. The second reference, which comes from Mark, is given in the context of avoiding sin that will tear us down. And finally, the third reference, from Luke, comes in the context of what is required of Jesus' disciples. They are to place Jesus above family, above their own life, and above possessions.

So what meaning do we bring away from all this about being salt? First we must recognize that as followers of Christ we are the salt that has been placed in the world by Christ. It is not that as His followers we have been "salted" by the gospel, but rather that we are the salt of the gospel to the world. The difference between these two perspectives is that the first is a benefit to the follower and the second is a benefit to those who are not followers. We are to be a preservative of the gospel in the world, a disinfectant against sin, a promoter of spiritual health, and enhancement to life. To do this we cannot fall under persecution, become easy prey to sin, or be distracted by the cares or pleasures of life. In so doing, we lose our saltiness and are no longer of benefit to the gospel or to others or to ourselves.