Evangelism 101 - Part 8 - Your Evangelistic Potential (Part 1) Series

Today we are going to talk about salt.

Salt is used in greater quantities and for more applications than any other mineral. It has more than 14,000 known uses. Everyone uses salt, directly and indirectly. It is estimated that each American uses more than 16 tons of salt during their lifetimes, 402 pounds a year for each living American. Only a small percentage of that massive amount is ingested as food.

Salt is formed from a combination of two elements: sodium and chloride. All animals and humans require both sodium and chloride for life and health. Since the body cannot manufacture either, they are considered "essential" nutrients.

Uses for salt have been handed down over the years in many households and have stood the test of time.

Salt accents the flavor of meat, brings out the individuality of vegetables, puts "oomph" into bland starches, deepens the flavor of delicate desserts and develops flavor of melons and certain other fruits. No other seasoning has yet been found that can satisfactorily take the place of salt.

Salt is an excellent cleaning agent, by itself or in combination with other substances.

A solution of salt and turpentine restores the whiteness to yellowed enameled bathtubs and lavatories.

A paste of salt and vinegar cleans tarnished brass or copper.

Salt water poured down the kitchen sink prevents grease from collecting and eliminates odors.

Salt helps destroy moths and drives away ants.

A box of salt is an important item in many bathrooms.

A mild mixture of salt and water makes an excellent mouthwash, throat gargle or eye-wash.

Salt can be used to clean the teeth. It is an effective antiseptic.

Salt can be used to gently massage your face and improve your complexion.

Puffy areas around your eyes? Mix one teaspoon of salt in a pint of hot water and apply pads soaked in the solution. Want to sooth those achy feet after a long day of work? Soak those aching feet in warm water to which a handful of salt has been added. Rinse in cool water.

You can also soak your whole body in a solution of salt to reduce fatigue and to get rid of ash and itches.

Use salt to treat bee stings, mosquito bites and poison ivy.

Salt added to water makes the water boil at a higher temperature, thus reducing cooking time. (It does not make the water boil faster.) Boiling eggs in salted water will make eggs peel easily.

If you need to determine if an egg is fresh, place the egg in a cup of water to which two teaspoonfuls of salt has been added. A fresh egg sinks; a stinker will float.

I could go on and mention other uses such as drip-proofing your candles by soaking them in a strong solution for a few hours and then drying them well before using.

You can use salt to clean the inside of your fish tank. While cleaning your tank, let your goldfish swim around in a very mild solution of salt and water—I am told that they will love it!

A dash of salt added to the water in a flower vase will keep cut flowers fresh longer. Salt has also been used to "seed" clouds to produce rain in desert areas.

Why are we learning about the many uses of salt? Because Jesus told His followers that they were “the salt of the earth.”

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.” (Matthew 5:13)

Jesus is saying to the Christian, “You are the salt of the earth.”

“You are the “essential nutrient” for the earth.”

“You are the cleaning agent for the earth.”

“You enhance flavor in the earth.”

“You can remove the “aches, pains and fatigue” experienced by those of the earth.”

“You are the agent that can be used to treat the stings, bites and poison of the earth.”

You see, salt preserves or inhibits decay; it facilitates healing; it creates thirst and it seasons or enhances flavor.

When Jesus uses the word, "earth" in Matthew 5:13, He does not mean our planet; nor does He mean land or the soil. When Jesus uses the word earth, He means man or humanity.

"You are the salt of humanity," says Jesus. “You are the ones who preserve humanity; you are the ones to create thirst in humanity; you are the ones who bring about a seasoning of humanity.”

Salt is one of the most important compounds in man's existence. Without salt the human body would cease to function. Without salt most foods would lose most of their flavor.

Long before freezers and refrigerators were invented and long before people were able to put meats, fruits, and vegetables into sealed jars, there was only one thing that kept food from spoiling: salt! Only salt kept vast stores of food from rotting. Only salt stood between people and hunger during the winter months or dry season.