The Sermon on the Mount is the greatest sermon ever recorded.  We are not surprised by that, seeing that it was preached by the greatest preacher who ever lived, Jesus, the Son of God.  One of the classic statements in the sermon is found in Matthew 5:13.

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.

Referring to kingdom citizens as the salt of the earth is practical, useful, and understandable because salt is such a common commodity. While there are dozens of uses for salt, two come to mind immediately when related to Christianity.

First, salt flavors.  Bland food becomes more palatable when a little salt is sprinkled on it. Even so, as kingdom citizens, we should bring out the best in society.  We should have a flavoring influence on those around us.  When we live according to the gospel of Christ, that is exactly what often happens.  Those we work with will often take note of our Christianity and watch what they say around us.  Many will make an effort to curse less when they are working around Christians and see our speech seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6).   This is why it is so important for us to live appropriately as Christians.  Listen to the encouragement of Paul along these lines.

Philippians 1:27 (ESV)
²⁷  Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,

When we walk worthy of the gospel, people around us take note of it and will sometimes act better.  This is how we bring moral flavor to our communities.

Second, salt is a preserving agent.  It cleanses and disinfects.  “In the ancient world salt was the commonest of all preservatives. It was used to ward off rot and decay! It was rubbed into meat in an effort to preserve it and to keep things from going bad, and hold putrefaction at bay. It preserves from corruption. The chlorine that salt contains has antiseptic qualities” (Rod Mattoon, Mattoon’s Treasures).

In a world where homes are under satanic attack, nothing can preserve its integrity and godliness more than the presence of two parents who are Christians.  While the world is in a moral mess, just think what it would be like if there were no Christians in it. Think of the world just before the flood.  Think of Sodom and Gomorrah.  The world would be in pretty much the same condition today as it was in the days of Noah and Lot.    Surely, the presence of God’s children in the world has had a positive and preserving influence on it. Righteousness exalts a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34).

Yes, in a real way Christians are the salt of the earth.  We must, however, remember two things.  First, if we lose our taste, we are no longer good for anything except being trampled underfoot (Matthew 5:13).  Second, salt left in the box has no impact at all. For salt to do something, it has to make contact.  If we are going to have a positive influence on the world, we have to get out of the box and make contact with people.

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