Jesus encouraged His followers to be the “salt of the earth” – this phrase has been used in describing overall good people; “He’s a real salt of the earth kind of guy.” I’ve pondered this and when I was in Hawaii in October, I went into a store that sold several different kinds of salts – pink salt, black volcanic salt, red salt – all from different places on the earth and all ideal for flavoring various types of food.
Immediately I went to Jesus’ message and considered this. If we are called to be the “salt of the earth”, perhaps He was encouraging the masses to “flavor” the earth in their own unique way. My flavor is distinct from yours.
Many have preached this message based on the healing and preserving qualities of salt – all of which are applicable. But I go a step farther to include the individuality, gift set/qualities, and personal calling of the “salt” (you and me!)If we are to truly salt the earth the challenge is to be able to maintain our individuality while collaborating with our environment.
So what happens if we lose our flavor??
Well, we are good for nothing except to be thrown out and trampled under the feet of men. Harsh.
If we are constantly conforming to our surroundings, losing our uniqueness, we will surely be run over by everyone. We must know ourselves and what we bring to the table in our relationships, work environment, and everything we do. Think about if we don’t do our part…Have you ever said, “It needs more salt,” after tasting something you cooked? The creation is incomplete without the flavor. So, your world is without your particular contribution.
Plain Jane and Dull Dale don’t advance and succeed. Business people call it “niche” but I think this can be applied to all areas of life. So the challenge is this: SALT YOUR WORLD!
Your flavorful female,
Mel
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.”
