Being Salty
“Being Salty”
By Bro. Charlie Chan | 4 May 2025 | Matthew 5:13 (NKJV)
Matthew 5:13 (NKJV) – “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned?”
In this powerful message, Jesus makes a striking declaration: “You are the salt of the earth.” This is not a command to become salt someday; it’s a statement of who we already are in Christ. Salt in ancient times was essential—it preserved food, purified offerings, added flavour, and created thirst. In the same way, Christians are called to preserve God’s truth, bring life and hope to the world, and point others to Christ.
Salt preserves. In a morally decaying world, believers are called to uphold righteousness and stand firm on biblical truth. We are the spiritual preservative in our families, communities, and nations—protecting what is holy and resisting compromise. Proverbs 23:23 urges us to “buy the truth and do not sell it.” As salt, we must stand for God’s values even when culture pushes against them.
Salt adds flavor. Just as salt makes food enjoyable, Christians are meant to bring joy, encouragement, and vitality to the people around us. Jesus said in John 10:10 that He came to give us life more abundantly. Our faith should be a life-giving presence, not a burden. If we are walking in step with Christ, people should sense the goodness of God through our words and actions.
Salt creates thirst. A salty life causes others to long for something more—something eternal. Our joy, peace, and hope in Christ should stir spiritual curiosity in those who see us. Like the Samaritan woman in John 4, our stories—even the broken or messy ones—can lead others to thirst for the Living Water. Our goal is not to force people to believe, but to live in a way that makes Jesus irresistible.
Jesus also gives a warning: Salt can lose its flavour. When we blend in with the world or allow sin to contaminate our witness, we become ineffective. Romans 12:2 calls us not to conform, but to be transformed. A Christian who compromises loses their influence. Staying salty means remaining holy, distinct, and firmly rooted in God’s truth—no matter the cost.
To remain salty, we must stay connected to the source—Jesus. John 15:4 reminds us to abide in Him, because without Him, we can do nothing. This connection is maintained through daily prayer, time in Scripture, and regular worship. We must also stand out with love. Salt changes everything it touches, and so should we—by loving radically, forgiving freely, and hoping consistently. Lastly, we are called to live on mission. Salt is only useful when it leaves the shaker. We are meant to flavour every space we occupy—with Christ’s truth, compassion, and grace.
The New Testament gives us examples of “salty” living: John the Baptist preserved truth with boldness; Peter, though once broken, was used by God to heal others; Barnabas flavored the early church through encouragement; and the Samaritan woman sparked revival through her testimony. Their lives show us what it means to live out our calling as salt.
Key Takeaways :
As believers, we are already the salt of the earth—Jesus has given us this identity. Our role is to preserve what is holy, stand for truth, and hold the line of righteousness in a world that increasingly drifts into moral decay. At the same time, we are to add joy and hope wherever we go, enriching the lives of those around us with kindness, wisdom, and peace. Our lives should stir a spiritual thirst in others, making them curious about the source of our strength and joy—Jesus Christ.
But we must stay alert, because the greatest danger is in losing our saltiness through compromise, spiritual complacency, or blending in. To remain salty, we must stay deeply connected to Jesus, our true source, and live lives that are full of love, grace, and purpose.
Whether in the workplace, at home, or among friends, our calling is to live intentionally, shine brightly, and reflect God’s goodness. The world needs the flavour of Christ—and He has chosen us to deliver it. So, let us live boldly, love deeply, and always stay salty.
