Good Salt

“Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again?”

Mark 9:50

Salt has been recognized since ancient times as an essential mineral. Our bodies require it. Food may be preserved with it and flavors enhanced by its careful use. The English language is rife with idioms about salt—we may hear an honorable man or woman described as “worth their salt,” or as a “salt of the earth” type; we are advised to take some things lightly, as “with a grain of salt.” In medieval days, a commoner was said to be “below the salt,” referring to his or her low position at a rich man’s table, where the condiments were placed at the head and seldom made their way “down” to where the commoner sat.

Jesus challenged his followers to be “good salt,” seasoning their lives and their relationships with a rich gospel flavor. By applying his principles of love and service to others, they were sure to stand out in “salty” contrast to the prevailing culture. At the same time, Jesus warned his disciples against becoming enmeshed in territorial ministry quarrels or causing another (especially a child!) to stumble. He encouraged them to show mercy in his name and be vigilant in avoiding personal sin.

Paul employed salt as a metaphor, too, encouraging the believers in Colossae to let their speech be gracious and “seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Col. 4:6).

As Christ followers, may we “season” our homes, our marriages, our churches, workplaces, and neighborhoods with the distinctly appealing flavor of the gospel.

FOR FURTHER REFLECTION:

Have you experienced the difference in a well-seasoned conversation and a flat, lifeless one that has no bite, no savor? And have you ever had a “salty” conversation that made you thirsty for more?

PRAYER:

Almighty God, may my life and my words be true and well seasoned. Help me to “salt” my speech and my interactions with others so that your authentic flavor comes through. I want to be the kind of “good salt” that might prevent corruption and decay and point to the beauty of the great banquet of grace you have offered on our behalf. Thank you for loving me through your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

READ THE SCRIPTURE IN CONTEXT:

“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”

“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where

“ ‘the worms that eat them do not die,
and the fire is not quenched.’

"Everyone will be salted with fire.

“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

Mark 9:38-50

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