Christians as the Salt of this World

It is well written in Matthew 5:13

“You are the salt of the earth ; but if the salt has become tasteless, how  can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.

..that we are the a salt of the earth.

Yes we often claim that, but much more often do we forget why Jesus put in such a powerful metaphor to compare Christians to salt. To review, I have here the primary purposes of salt that I was able to search and review over a scripture sermon posted on-line.  

• A salt adds flavor. Salt’ s flavoring properties imply that Christians are to add divine flavor to the world. Without Christians and the gospel they proclaim and practice, this world would be more insipid. There is no true flavor found in the world. There is no true joy found in this world. Only the company of Christians gives flavor and joy to the world. 
• A salt preserves. It is an antiseptic which performs the negative function of preventing spoiling meat from becoming even more rotten and corrupt.  In the same way, when Christians come in close contact with the sinful people of the world, the world is kept from progressing further into unspeakable foulness. Christians benefit secular society. Without their presence, the world would degenerate at an even faster rate.
• A salt is a fertilizer. Christians must function in a way that promotes the growth of that which is good in the world. They must oppose evil and promote good.
• A salt is white. White symbolizes purity. Christians are to be in the world and yet live pure, different lives. Christians should glory in their difference. They are citizens of heaven who are living in this rotting world for its benefit. 
• A salt causes people to become thirsty. Christians should cause people to thirst for Jesus Christ and his gospel. If we live as Christians daily for God’s glory alone in the midst of the world, the world will observe us and desire to know about Jesus Christ.

Dr. Chucks Swindoll also emphasized on one of his Day by Day devotional the positive aspects of salt.

First, salt is shaken and sprinkled … not poured. It must be spread out. Too much salt ruins food. A good reminder for Christians to spread out rather than stay huddled all together.

Second, salt adds flavor … but it’s obscure. No one ever comments, “My, this is good salt.” We frequently say, however, “The food is really tasty.” Servants add zest to life, a flavor impossible to achieve without them.

Third, salt is unlike any other seasoning. Its difference, however, is its strength. It can’t be duplicated, and it must be applied before it is useful. Salt in the saltshaker does nobody any good!

God actually has the most beautiful design of what our purpose in this world is all about but we tend to lose our saltiness by conforming to the patterns of this world. We intend to embrace the rotten values of this world (we become materialistic, sensual and pleasure-seeking) and instead of giving the world the distinction between what is of God and against God, we became tasteless, and tend to fit in.

P.G Matthews said we must realize that we are to be in the world but not of the world. Although we are in the world, we must focus on Jesus Christ and his teachings. We are to be different, and if we are not, we will become fools. We will become useless to God, useless to our families, useless to society—yea, useless to the world.

How I wish people, most especially Christians, would be mindful and sincere about their/our roles as being the salt and light of this world. May this be a beautiful reminder for all of us about our purpose. God bless you!

Reasons why the Lord calls us to serve.

1.) He rids us of pride and selfishness, allowing our focus to be on Him.
2.) We proclaim our love for Christ thru our love for one another.
3.) God tests and purifies our hearts thru service. 

by Dr. Charles Stanley

Blessing comes when we find the Deliverer. When you hunger for Him, you will have Him. How much of God do you want today?

(via mustardseedgrows)