Sacred Whispers Blog

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.”

Matthew 5:13 ESV

In Matthew 5, Jesus covers several topics while instructing His disciples on the character and conduct He expects of them—and all believers who would follow. This teaching, known as the “Sermon on the Mount,” includes lessons on the Beatitudes, being salt and light, Christ’s fulfillment of the Law, and practical guidance on anger, lust, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and loving one’s enemies.

Nestled right after the Beatitudes, verse 13 presents a metaphor about salt to illustrate the impact Jesus expects His followers to have on the world. Even in the face of persecution, revilement, and false accusations for righteousness’ sake (v. 10-11), disciples are still expected to be “the salt of the earth,” making a lasting difference in the lives of others.

Salt serves as a preservative and adds flavor to food. Once it’s added, food is forever changed. However, if salt loses its quality—its ability to preserve or enhance flavor—it becomes useless and is discarded.

Albert Barnes, a 19th-century theologian and Presbyterian minister, commented on this passage, noting that salt in Eastern countries was often impure, mixed with vegetable and earthly substances. This mixture could lose its saltiness entirely. The flavorless salt was then repurposed as a material for pathways or walkways, similar to how we use gravel (as noted in Believer’s Bible Commentary by William MacDonald).

Jesus’ metaphor captures this truth vividly: salt that loses its taste is no longer useful, fit only to be trampled underfoot.

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO US?

As believers, we are called to be the salt of the earth. When someone tastes something salty, it causes thirst. Spiritually, our conduct should inspire others to thirst for the living water of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37). He offers water that quenches thirst forever (John 4:10, 14). Rivers of living water flow from those who believe in Him (John 7:38).

Our lives, as followers of Christ, should reflect His love so powerfully that people are drawn to Him. Like salt, our actions and character should preserve others from spiritual decay and lead them to eternal life through Jesus.

Jesus promised in John 4:14: “But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

ARE WE SALTY ENOUGH?

It’s worth asking ourselves: Are the people around us thirsty for the living water of Jesus Christ because of our example? Or has our salt lost its flavor?

We lose our saltiness when we prioritize the fleeting focuses of society—worldly success, possessions, fame, or even our personal “brand.” When we neglect our relationship with God, our ability to influence others spiritually diminishes.

But when we make God our priority, study His Word, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from within, we become salty again. Our conduct and character draw others toward the rivers of living water flowing from us, leading them to Jesus.

Saints, let us embrace our role as salt. Let’s preserve those around us from eternal separation from God, sprinkling them with love, kindness, and godly character so that they, too, may thirst for the living water of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER

Father God, in the name of Jesus, we thank You for Your grace, love, and mercy. We acknowledge You as the great I AM, whom we can trust with every part of our lives. Forgive us for the times we have not made You our priority, allowing jobs, possessions, and worldly desires to take Your place.

Lord, we cry out to You, knowing that You are all we need. Help us to love humanity as You do, sowing seeds of grace, service, and purpose. Stir up the gifts within us, and use us to draw others closer to You. May our lives inspire a deep thirst for Your living water. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DAILY SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE

Take time to reflect on your spiritual influence. Are you living as salt in your community? Identify one action you can take this week to draw others closer to Jesus through your conduct and character. Pray for opportunities to serve as a positive, godly example in the lives of those around you.