“Ye are the salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13)

The best assault against Satan is being good salt in the world. When Jesus told his small band of disciples “You are the salt of the earth” and “I am sending you out to season the whole world”, it might have sounded ridiculous to bystanders. Our Lord used the simplest figures of speech. Nothing was plainer or more universal to Jesus' hearers than the imagery of salt. Jesus' little band of followers, that insignificant pinch of salt, was called to influence the entire earth.

What would life be like without salt? Everything tastes better with a little salt seasoning. Too often we have been trying to cook up clever recipes, fancy flavors, and spicy relishes to tickle the jaded palates of the world. Let's take a look at six facts about salt that will point us all toward our role as a church this year:

1. Salt has a seasoning influence.

We need to have a flavor, a relish, a zest about us this year. There is nothing worse than flat tasting, boring Christian lives.

2. Salt preserves.

We, like salt, are the only influence in civilization restraining the full expression of evil. Salt prevents decay and arrests corruption. This year our *salted* presence should restrain evil conversations and actions.

3. Salt purifies and cleanses.

The church has had a purifying influence wherever it has gone. The best gargle for a sore throat is plain salt water. Let's be an avenue of purification and cleansing this year.

4. Salt heals.

Through the Gospel, lives are changed, homes rescued, broken hearts mended, and sick bodies are healed. The church of Jesus Christ is God's antiseptic and therapeutic healing power in the earth.

5. Salt creates thirst.

This year we must make the hearts of mankind thirsty to know God. We must live so that all who look upon us will want the peace and joy they see in us. The best argument for Christianity should be the Christian.

6. Salt irritates.

When salt is rubbed into infected wounds, it smarts. First truth hurts, then it makes you free. When the light is turned on, some will wince. We are not the sugar of the earth or the vinegar of the earth, but the salt of the earth. As salt, we will sometimes not be welcomed by this world.

This will be a year that will require lots of salt. It is the beginning of a new season where we will need to become the pinch of salt God needs to season, preserve, purify, heal, make thirsty, and yes, even at times, to irritate our world.

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