Referring to kingdom citizens as the salt of the earth is one of the classic statements found in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:13). It is practical, useful, and understandable because salt is such a common commodity. While there are literally 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. Those we work with should see our Christianity in action and therefore watch what they say around us. Many will gossip and curse less when they are working around Christians whose speech is seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6) and who just generally live a life that is in harmony with the gospel. This is why Paul once told the saints at Philippi to let their manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ (Philippians 1:27). When we do this, people around us take note and sometimes act better. This is how we bring moral flavor to our communities.
Salt is also a preserving agent. It cleanses and disinfects. “In the ancient world salt was the most common of all preservatives. It was used to ward off rot and decay! It was rubbed into meat 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 their 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. Surely the presence of God’s children in the world has had a positive and preserving influence on it. Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people (Proverbs 14:34).
Yes, in a real way we are the salt of the earth. However, let’s remember two things. First, if we lose our taste we are no longer good for anything but to be trampled under the feet of people (Matthew 5:13). Second, salt left in the box has no impact at all. For salt to do anything 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.
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A Little Is Too Much
As a whole, the religious world has been swept up in a social gospel movement that is not a part of the true gospel at all. It is a gospel that says it is okay to use the Lord’s money to fund any social event that is not morally sinful and that might draw people to Christ. Thus, most churches today engage in all kinds of recreational activities. Fun and frolic rule the day. Recreation and entertainment are the drawing power of most churches today rather than the gospel of Christ. We hear of churches that have Subway and McDonald’s restaurants on their grounds. We hear of churches that have worship services in places where beer and other alcoholic beverages are being served. The Highland Vineyard Church in Louisville Kentucky, for example, has what they call “Sunday Nights on Tap” that takes place at Flanagan’s, a local pub. We even hear of some churches having special services for the pets of some of their members. The Covenant Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles started a service for dogs called, “Canines at Covenant.” It is amazing how far the religious world is willing to travel down the path of the social gospel to grow numerically. Here’s the problem.
First, the social gospel distorts the mission of Christ. Jesus did not die on the cross to entertain people. He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10).
Second, the social gospel devalues the power of the gospel. It attempts to win souls to Christ by fun, food, and frolic. The Bible says that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). It has to do with the story of Jesus Christ being crucified for our sins, and that is all we need to preach to attract people to Christ. The gospel is powerful enough to convert souls all by itself.
Third, the social gospel diverts the attention of man from the cross to carnality. It is an appeal to the flesh. Come to Jesus and you can have fun and be entertained. Do you like food? We will build you a fast-food restaurant. Do you like basketball? We will build you a gymnasium. Do you like to rest? We will build you a facility where you can relax. That’s the social gospel.
Not to be lost in all of this is the fact that there is no authority to use the Lord’s money for social events. The work of the church is threefold—evangelism, benevolence, and edification. Any other use of the Lord’s money is unauthorized and, therefore, sinful (Colossian 3:17). The first-century church never engaged in the social gospel, and still, the Lord added to the church daily (Acts 2:47). Shouldn’t we be satisfied with doing the work that God gave the church to do and avoid the innovations of man? The only help the gospel needs from us is to be preached. When we do that, that is, when we preach and practice the unperverted gospel, not only will we grow numerically, we will do so in a way that is pleasing to God. Let’s remember that when it comes to adding to the gospel, a little is too much.