Matthew 5:13 (ESV)
¹³ “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

What is so valuable about salt? It’s not very precious, from the standpoint of being rare, and it does not cost that much to purchase. There is certainly no shortage of salt in the world. So, why is salt such a valuable commodity? Its value can be seen in what it has the power to do. Let us see what it can do, and how it relates to us as citizens in the kingdom of God.

Salt Has the Power to Preserve

Before the days of refrigeration, meat was packed in salt to preserve it until it could be consumed. As Christians, we are God’s preserving power in this world. We do not want to think too highly of ourselves, for we are what we are by the grace of God. However, the truth is the presence and prayers of Christians have done more to preserve this nation than anything else.

Proverbs 14:34 (ESV)
³⁴ Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

As long as God has people in the world to influence men to turn from their destructive ways, there is hope for repentance. The presence of godly people, not perfect people, but people who are trying their best to serve and please God, keeps Him from destroying this world.

Salt Has the Power to Flavor

A little dash of salt does wonders for a well-cooked meal. It brings out hidden flavor and makes everything taste better. As citizens in God’s kingdom, we can have this effect on society. First, our presence makes the world more palatable to God. We are God’s seasoning agent in the world. Perhaps more importantly, however, is the influence we can have on those around us in this world. We should bring out the best in the people. Have you ever noticed that when you live godly, people around you know it, and they put away their sinful behavior in your presence? For example, people who curse regularly will try to curtail their bad language when in your presence. Christianity has the tendency to influence others to live a little better, at least while Christians are around. Christians bring out the best in people. That’s the power of salt.

Salt Has the Power to Induce Thirst

People who are exposed to excessive heat take salt tablets to increase their bodies’ craving for water. Their salt-induced thirst prevents dehydration. As Christians, we should cause the world to be thirsty for Christ. When they see Christ living in us, and when they see the way we rejoice, regardless of the troubles of life, they are seeing the power of God’s transforming grace, and that can cause others to thirst for what we have in Christ.

Is it not clear that if we, as kingdom citizens, are to be the salt of the earth, we must live appropriately? If we do not, Jesus says we lose our taste, and thus, are only good to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. Let us make sure that we are indeed the salt of the earth.

As you wind down for the night, think on these things.