Be Salt (Matthew 5:13)

Matthew 5:13 (AMP) You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its taste (purpose), how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and walked on by people [when the walkways are wet and slippery].

We can determine what this directive to “be salt” means by looking at the context of its usage. Here are some of the positive meanings:

• We are called to be vessels of healing, purity, and life (2 Kings 2:20-21)
• We are called to be part an offering to God – part of worship (Exodus 35:30)
• We are called to be part of God’s covenant (Leviticus 2:13)
• We are part of God’s promise (Numbers 18:19)
• We are essential (Ezra 6:9)

Conversely, there are scriptures where salt is a curse on the land or is useless. This could be likened to even the health concerns that are constantly raised in our culture where the wrong amount of salt is found dangerous or detrimental. As I pondered this, God likened this to us trying to work “on His behalf” in our own flesh rather than by His Spirit (this brought to mind a Prophetic Nugget (aka Daily Download) called “Harnessed Power”). Bad seasoning can ruin the very thing it was called to enhance. In the same way, we must be intentional to function under His unction – be His seasoning – no more no less so that we don’t thwart that which we were created to do and be.

So may we embrace our role as godly seasoning! May we be intentional to be exactly who He has called us to be and to do exactly that which He has called us to do – trusting that He will lead us if we are obedient to yield.

Leviticus 2:13 (VOICE) [including the Voice translation’s commentary in quotes] You must salt every grain offering you bring so that the salt of your covenant with God will not be missing. You will season all of the offerings you present with salt. “In the ancient world, salt was a valuable substance. It was used for a variety of purposes: to preserve meats, promote healing, and seal friendships. When covenants were made, people celebrated with fine meals seasoned with salt and other spices. The permanence of salt symbolized the permanence of God’s covenant with His people (Numbers 18:19). Jesus echoes this covenant practice when He instructs His followers to be salt in the world (Matthew 5:13).”