This Is Why We Are Called the Salt of the Earth
Matthew BellShare
In His famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave His followers a powerful identity:
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” (Matthew 5:13, NIV)
This powerful statement by Jesus was part of His Sermon on the Mount, where He taught His followers about their identity and role in the world. But what does it mean to be the salt of the earth?
Salt Preserves – Preserve God's Truth
In ancient times, salt was used as a preservative to keep food from spoiling. Just as salt prevents decay, Christians are called to uphold God's truth in a world that is morally and spiritually decaying.
Jude 1:3 (NIV) – “Contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”
We preserve the teachings of Christ by living according to His Word and sharing His Gospel with others.
Salt Adds Flavor – Bring the Love of Christ to the World
Salt enhances the flavor of food, just as Christians should bring the "flavor" of God’s love, grace, and wisdom to the world.
Colossians 4:6 (NIV) – “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Our words and actions should reflect Christ’s love and wisdom, making the Gospel appealing to those around us.
Salt Creates Thirst – Should Inspire Others to Seek God
Salt makes people thirsty—and as Christians, our lives should make others thirst for God.
Psalm 42:1 (NIV) – “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”
When people see our peace, joy, and faithfulness, they should be drawn to the living water—Jesus Christ.
Salt Purifies – Should Live a Holy Life
Salt has purifying and healing properties, just as Christians should be a positive, purifying influence in the world.
2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV) – “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
We should live holy and set-apart lives that reflect Christ’s righteousness.
Salt is Valuable – Have Great Worth in God's Kingdom
In biblical times, salt was highly valuable, even used as currency. Jesus calling us the salt of the earth reminds us that we have great value in God’s kingdom.
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
God has placed each believer on earth for a divine purpose—to bring His light into a dark world.
Salt Must Be Used – Faith is Meant to Be Active
Salt sitting in a container does nothing—it must be applied to make an impact. In the same way, our faith must be lived out to be effective.
James 2:17 (NIV) – “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Being the salt of the earth means actively sharing the Gospel, loving others, and living out our faith daily.
What Happens If Salt Loses Its Saltiness?
Jesus warns that if salt loses its flavor, it is useless. If Christians stop living for God and standing for His truth, they lose their impact in the world.
Romans 12:2 (NIV) – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
We must remain strong in our faith, so we don’t blend into the world but instead stand out as beacons of God's truth.
Final Thoughts: Stay Salty for Christ!
Being the salt of the earth means:
✔ Preserving God's truth
✔ Adding flavor by reflecting Christ’s love
✔ Creating thirst for God
✔ Purifying through holy living
✔ Living out our faith actively
Let’s stay “salty” by remaining faithful to God’s calling and being a powerful influence for His Kingdom!