Seasoned for Impact: Unpacking the Power of Being the 'Salt of the Earth'
- keptalk
- Nov 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Hello everyone!
Trust you all are doing well! We're only five days into November and I have so much to be grateful for! As I'm typing this, I'm singing on the top of my lungs and can't help but stop every few minutes to break out in dance. The word on my heart for this month is HONOR. I've experienced so much honor in just the first few days of the month. I know the honor does not stop at just me! This will be a month where God’s honor overflows in all of our lives in ways we never expected. We’ll find ourselves saying, “I never knew God could honor me like this!” Do you believe this? I hope you responded with a resounding "YES"! God’s honor and blessings will surprise you in the best ways—He will go beyond what you can even imagine!
I want to use this blog post to dive deep into the meaning of this month's theme (Stay Salty - https://www.keptalk.com/keppicks). I'm providing the scriptures mentioned in blog post as an attachment so you can reference them and utilize this blog post as a devotional if you see fit.
Let's jump right in!
What does it even mean to be the 'Salt of the Earth'?
In Matthew 5:13, Jesus called His followers “the salt of the earth,” a statement packed with meaning for those listening. Salt was a valuable and necessary substance in ancient times, used in ways that went beyond simply adding taste. By likening His followers to salt, Jesus wasn’t giving a simple compliment—He was assigning purpose. Just as salt was essential, Christians are called to play a vital role in the world, one that influences, preserves, and transforms.
To understand this calling, it’s helpful to consider how salt was used in Jesus’ time. In the ancient world, people lacked the refrigeration and preservation methods we have today, and salt was used to keep food from spoiling. As a preservative, salt protected what was valuable from decay. Spiritually, this means we’re called to uphold and protect truth and goodness in a world where corruption and decay are present. Our faith and actions serve as “preservatives,” slowing moral decay and upholding righteousness.
Salt also enhances flavor, bringing out the best in food. Similarly, Christians are called to bring out the “flavor” of God’s love and joy in the world. We’re meant to make life richer, adding meaning and encouragement where there is despair, and love where there is hate. We influence others by letting Christ’s love shine through us, showing people what life can look like when God is at the center.
In Leviticus 2:13, God instructs the Israelites to season all their grain offerings with salt, symbolizing purification and dedication. Salt in offerings was a reminder of God’s covenant, and as Christians, we are part of a new covenant through Christ. This covenant is about being set apart and wholly devoted to God, reminding us that our lives, like the grain offering, are offered up as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).
So, how does this translate into a Christian’s daily life today?
Preserving Truth in a Culture That Rejects It
In a world that’s constantly shifting its moral and ethical boundaries, Christians are called to stand
firm on biblical truth. This doesn’t mean being confrontational or judgmental; rather, it’s about lovingly standing up for what’s right and living lives marked by integrity, even when society leans another way. By preserving truth, we help point people back to God’s unchanging Word.
Adding Value Through Love, Encouragement, and Service
Being “salty” also means adding value to others’ lives. Through acts of love, encouragement, and selfless service, we can make a positive impact. Jesus tells us to let our good deeds shine, not for our glory but so that others may see and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). Every kind word, thoughtful act, and encouraging gesture can reveal a bit of God’s character to those around us.
Standing Out by Reflecting Christ’s Character
Salt has a distinct taste, and in the same way, Christians are meant to stand out. This isn’t about seeking attention but about reflecting Christ’s character in ways that are undeniably different from the world’s norms. When we embody patience, forgiveness, humility, and compassion, we become reminders of God’s love and goodness.
Jesus warned that if salt loses its flavor, it becomes useless (Matthew 5:13). Christians can lose their effectiveness and influence if they conform to the world instead of transforming it.
When Christians compromise their values, blend in, or hide their beliefs, they lose their “saltiness.” If we look and act like everyone else, people may miss out on seeing Jesus through us. Conformity dilutes our witness and diminishes our ability to stand as God’s representatives. To be effective salt, we must remain distinct, upholding Christ’s teachings even when it’s unpopular or difficult.
Being “salty” doesn’t mean life is easy; it often requires tenacity. When we face challenges, disappointments, or even persecution, it’s natural to feel discouraged. However, our commitment to God means choosing His way, regardless of our circumstances. By leaning on His strength, we can stay “salty,” letting our faithfulness shine brightest in tough times.
Being the “salt of the earth” is a daily calling. It’s about letting God’s presence within us influence everything we do and everyone we meet. So, how do we live as salt daily? By preserving what’s good, adding Godly “flavor” to our surroundings, and standing firm in our faith without compromise. Let’s pray for the courage to live this out, letting God’s love and truth flow through us in ways that transform lives. Each day, we have the opportunity to make an impact and be the salt that Jesus calls us to be—pointing people to His grace, love, and unchanging goodness.
Today is the day carved out to vote in the United States of America. Just as Jesus calls us to be the “salt of the earth,” preserving truth and standing out with Christ-like character, we’re also called to influence the world through our actions—including our vote. Voting allows us to stand for values that reflect God’s justice, compassion, and truth in society. As followers of Christ, engaging in the process is one way we can add "flavor" to our culture, promoting righteousness and the welfare of others. Please vote ya'll!
*Remember, you are seasoned for impact!
Love,
Keps

