Are You Salty? part 2
Last week we started our discussion of “Are You Salty?” If you did not read that introductory blog post, I would suggest you do that first before moving on with today’s entry.
In Matthew 5: 13 Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth.” But what does that really mean? We are “salt?” Perhaps if we took some time to examine various characteristics of salt we might be able to better understand this analogy that Jesus is using.
Salt is useful. There was an old Roman proverb that went like this: “There is nothing more useful than the sun and salt." As we look now at some of the qualities of salt, we will discover why it was (and is) considered useful.
First, salt adds flavor. Some say sodium chloride (salt) never loses its flavor, but in Jesus’ time it did. Salt was dug from the salt flats around the Dead Sea and there were lots of impurities mixed in with that salt. Rain would wash out the salt leaving only impurities that looked like salt. But the real salt was gone. The impurities were worthless and might as well be trampled underfoot. Thus, it is pure salt that enhances flavor. So, in our own lives, do we add flavor to our relationships and circumstances? It is an interesting question, isn’t it?
Following this line of thinking, have you ever heard of this story of a king and his daughters? The story goes that one day the king asked his daughters how much they loved him. Two of them said they loved him more than all the gold and silver in the world. The third one said she loved him like salt and the king did not like her answer and he became upset. But the palace cook overheard the answer that upset the king and the next meal he made for the king he left out salt. The king got the message and then understood what his daughter meant.
Secondly, salt is essential for life. Without an adequate amount of salt in our life, our body can go into shock. There is a medical condition called hyponatremia where due to excessive sweating one can sweat up to three quarts in one hour of exercising. Symptoms of this condition can include fatigue, lightheadedness, weakness, cramping, nausea, disorientation, seizures, and even death.
Thirdly, salt is a preservative and is used to preserve food. In Jesus’ time there were no refrigerators or cooling systems to store meat and it was extremely hot. Meat could spoil so salt was rubbed on the meat to preserve it and keep it from spoiling.
As far as an analogy, are we a preserving influence? Do we make a difference in the lives we touch? Remember Lot? Lot was overpowered by ungodliness and worldy influence. We need to be different and radiate the presence of the Lord, not letting worldliness spoil our lives and the lives of others.
Fourth, salt has healing qualities. Have you ever gargled with salt water when you had a sore throat? Salt has healing properties for various situations. Did you know that in Old Testament times newborn babies were rubbed with a salt solution? Ezekiel 16: 4 references salt and newborn babies who were rubbed with salt at birth. It is possible that this practice helped clean the infant because salt is a disinfectant that prevents infection by stopping the spread of bacteria. I think the analogy for us is obvious, don’t you? Do you and I possess healing qualities to bless others? Certainly this is “food for thought.”
A final characteristic of salt: Salt can create thirst. For example, if a farmer puts some salt in the oats for a horse, the horse will want to go to the water to quench his thirst. Or do you ever get thirsty when you eat ham or other salty foods? It’s the same principle. Salt has an ability to create thirst. So when you and I are “salty” moving through our daily routine, we can create “thirst” in those we encounter. And when that occurs, it is then our job to lead them to “Living Water.”
These various characteristics of salt certainly give us some things to ponder as we consider how they relate to us and Jesus’ declaration that we “are the salt of the earth.” As you move through this next week try to be aware of the opportunities that come your way to be “salty.”
Blessings to you,
Dr. Sharon Predovich
