What is salt used for and for what is it good for?
In Matthew 5:13, assuming a seasoning has no flavor, it has no worth. On the off chance that Christians put forth no attempt to influence their general surroundings, they are of little worth to God. If we are like the world in an excessive amount, then we have become useless. Christians ought not mix in with every other person. However, we should influence them in a positive manner, similarly as a seasoning draws out the best flavor in food.
In Mark 9:50, Jesus utilized salt to represent three characteristics that ought to be found in Christians. In the first place, we ought to recollect God's faithfulness, similarly as salt when utilized with a sacrifice reviewed God's covenant (Leviticus 2:13). Second, we should have an effect in the flavor of the world that we live in, similarly as salt changes meat's flavor (Matthew 5:13). Furthermore, we ought to counteract the ethical rot that is in the public eye, similarly as salt preserves food from going bad. At the point when we lose this longing to salt the earth with the adoration and message of God, we become futile to him.
In Luke 14:34, salt can lose its flavor. At the point when it gets wet and afterward dries, nothing remains except for a boring buildup. Numerous Christians mix into the world and stay away from the expense of defending Christ. However, Jesus says that if Christians lose their unmistakable saltiness, they become useless. Similarly, just as salt flavors food and can preserve it, we are to save the positive qualities on the earth, assist with holding it back from ruining, and rejuvenate new flavor. This requires us to plan, to be a willing sacrifice, and have an unswerving obligation to Christ's Kingdom. Being salty is difficult, however on the off chance that Christians fall through in their work, they neglect to present Christ to the world.
Salt Seasons:
To treat or to prepare for use, to give more flavor.
Spiritual saltiness - Do not blend in.
You add salt to enhance the flavor of food. We are the salt that God uses to lead a hungry people to food. But if we are not ‘salty’ enough we are of no-good use. We have become worthless. If we begin to become unsalted then we need to get back in the Word. If a person has an injury or an illness, it may require intravenous (IV) fluids of sodium chloride to aid in his recovery. If Christians suffer a similar spiritual ordeal, they may need a spiritual IV.
1 Peter 3:15, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Salt Purifies:
To clean from imperfection.
Salt is used to clean from imperfection. Just as medical professionals use normal saline (salt water) to clean out a wound, we are to be that salt to the world. We cannot clean the world, but the world should see Christ in us which leads to cleaning. It will and does sting, but it is necessary. Sometimes we Christians need a little cleaning to remove the impurities that we have allowed to come in our lives. In some cases, salt is added to water to make able to drink.
James 4:8, Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Salt Preserves:
To reserve for exclusive use, to save from harm.
Preserves are good on a nice hot buttered biscuit, especially homemade preserves. Have you ever opened up a jar and found that wax ring on the top? That was placed there to preserve the fruit. With that thought in mind, Christ puts that salt or wax around us to preserve us for an exclusive use, to reach the world. Unfortunately, some Christians ‘wax’ are a little thin and the preserves do not last.
Meat that is hung in a smokehouse has a layer of salt on it as a preservative. It acts as a barrier. God always places that barrier of saltiness around us to preserve us now and for future service. However, like the meat in a smokehouse, that barrier can wear thin if we do not continually apply the salt (keep in the Word).
Isaiah 49:8, Thus saith the LORD, In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee: and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages.
Salt Irritates:
To provoke displeasure, impatience.
Put salt in a wound and what happens? Salty Christians always sing, worship & praise the Lord wherever they are or regardless of circumstances. Salty Christians study the Word, and they witness. Sinners do not like that; it irritates their lifestyle. That means the Holy Spirit is convicting their hearts.
Some churches and Christians have lost their saltiness, they soothe rather than irritate. Their saltiness has become watered down. They have turned the church into a social club, a place for people to network. Instead of winning souls, Christians have become politically correct. Christians have set aside their differences form the world (their Christian life) and they do not want to offend anyone or hurt anyone’s feelings. They want to get together and do good works, show how good they are, and increase their societal standing.
2 Timothy 4:2, Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. (Whether it is convenient or not.)
Types of salt:
Salt may come in different forms, but it is still salt.
Rock salt melts ice (cold heart).
Table salt is used in food preparation (prepared heart).
Epsom salt, although not a true salt, is used for health reasons (condition of the heart).
Substitute salt is not healthy because it contains chemicals that can cause other health problems. Seasoned salt is a blend of salt, herbs, and spices.
What does it mean to be good for nothing? Are we of little worth? Are we useless?
If we are not doing good, then we must be doing wrong, we must be counterproductive. If we are not drawing people to Christ, then we must be pushing them away. If we are not showing them the right way, then we must be showing them the wrong way.
How will we stand before God with nothing to show for our salvation? We do not work for our salvation. It is a free gift from God; but we must work after receiving the gift. Has our spiritual saltiness become wet or damp? How salty are we?
