Yesterday, we began a discussion about three properties of salt that made it especially valuable in the ancient world and what they teach us about being the salt of the earth today. While we learned that the first function of this important mineral was preservation, the second was purification. Have you ever gone swimming in the ocean with a cut or an open sore on your skin? If so, I can almost guarantee that you remember the sting of the salt water on your wound. However, you may also recall that when you looked at it a few hours later, it was closer to being healed. This is because salt purifies. In fact, the reason it preserves food is because it inhibits the growth of bacteria, and its saliency keeps meat and produce free from harmful stuff. This cleansing property is also why salt was used in Biblical times as a sign of a covenant — its presence signified coming before another in purity of heart. Understanding this, we can infer that being salt on the earth compels us to a divinely-empowered righteousness that attracts others to the truth. As we live set apart and imitate Jesus in word and deed, He shines through us so people are drawn to His Spirit radiating from within.

My friend, you bring God’s healing power and purity to the world! He has called you to be salt, and as you let Him inhabit every part of your life, His righteousness and glory become evident in all of your attitudes and behaviors. As you yield to the molding of His hand and invite His Spirit to shine through you, your joyful faith draws people who are seeking divine truth. By letting your light beam before them, they see the purity of Jesus, the One who can make them new from the inside out.