“Salt of the Earth” (Matthew 5:13)

Submitted by admin on Sat, 2007-10-27 19:47.

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Unadulterated salt, a crystalline compound of sodium and chlorine, does not lose its saltiness. The impure salt common in the first century, however, could become tasteless. In a humid environment, the sodium chloride could progressively leach out, making the substance useless for flavoring and as a preservative. People would then throw out the valueless residue on paths, where passersby would repeatedly trample upon it.

For Christ’s disciples to remain the “salt of the earth” would require their continuing to be an influence or force for good. Their adherence to the highest standard of honesty, industriousness, conscientiousness, and moral rectitude would exert a restraining force on those around them and counteract the tendency toward moral degradation. By refusing to resort to filthy and abusive speaking, they would cause others to become more circumspect in their expressions. Like salt that can make foods more flavorful, disciples of God’s Son, through their compassionate and loving response to those in need, their kind, impartial treatment of fellow humans, and their friendly and caring disposition, can contribute to making life more pleasant for those with whom they interact. On the other hand, their failure to live exemplary lives and to be actively engaged in doing good for others would make them unfit to serve as the “salt of the earth” and, therefore, without value. (Matthew 5:13)

Note:

When his disciples argued about who among them was greater, Jesus repeated and expanded upon aspects of the teaching regarding salt. (Mark 9:33, 34, 49, 50) After illustrating the need to consider the cost of discipleship, he also commented on the loss of saltiness and the consequences thereof. (Luke 14:25-35)