Salt

         Not only did I have a chemistry set when in high school, my parents also gave me a microscope. It wasn't all that powerful, but it opened up a whole new world for me and about everything that I could get under the lens of the microscope was viewed. I looked at the eyes of the dead fly, leaves, grass, dirt and of course, salt and sugar. Sugar crystals are in any shape with a lot of jagged edges and with polarized light, one can see the many colors present through them. Salt, on the other hand was always square and white with no colors showing through even with polarized light. That was how they both looked back some time in a little town in Indiana. Over the years, especially with cooking, I have learned that there are all kinds of salt. I have sea salt, kosher salt, table salt and Himalayan salt which is pink. There are more varieties but not in my collection of salt. I have one salt however, which is in my shakers at the present time that seems to have lost its flavor. It is very fine and flows well, but seems to do nothing when put on food. It, to me, is about useless in the kitchen. Matthew 5:13 says, ““You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.” 

            Salt is important in cooking and often triggers the response of something being either bland or flavorful. Salt can quickly become overpowering and ruin a dish but with the right amount, the flavor of the food is enhanced considerably. In the Gospel of Matthew believers were associated with being similar to salt. When the saltiness or the flavor goes out of the salt, it might as well be thrown away. The Lord Jesus Christ looks at us, the believers in the world and remarks that we are the “salt of the earth.” This is what makes a difference in everyday living. This is what makes Christianity stand out from all other religions of the world. This is what makes the world ask the question, “Why are you different?” This all works well and good as long as the “salt” does not lose it's flavor. The same is true with the believer. When the believer loses his or her “Christian identity” they become just like the people of the world around them. There is no noticeable difference. The witness is gone, the quality that made them different is not distinguishable any longer. Their music and art and philosophy are just like that of the world. Their lifestyle is no different and much like the chameleon, they blend in so well in the culture around them, that the witness is gone. If you were salt, then you would be thrown away, but you are a child of God, a part of His family and He can restore your “flavor” in the world today. Restoration is possible as the promises of First John 1:9 become evident and practical in our Christian lives. “If we confess our sin...” That is the beginning. In the world in which we live today, that is a mighty big first step and most believers are to proud to admit that the are plagued with sin. It is a might big “if.” The verse goes on to day, “...he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Perhaps we should ask ourselves today, “Just how 'flavorful' am I as a believer in the family of God?” Praise God today that He is still working in our lives.