Mark 9:50

[Jesus said:] “Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavour, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.”

Salt is incredibly powerful, and that has been known for thousands of years. It does three main things, and Jesus applied each of these to his followers. Firstly, it gives flavour. Food producers make massive use of it. Indeed, British Salt produces over 400,000 metric tonnes of salt every year from its site in Cheshire. However, salt only has any influence when it is used. Sitting in a pot, it will have no effect at all. The message is clear for us today: God does not call us to sit in our churches pontificating about the evils of the world, but to get involved and to give a good flavour to our society.

Since ancient times, it has been well known that salt is a very effective preservative. In days long before fridges, salt could be relied upon to preserve fish and meat for extended periods of time. Jesus was calling on his followers to have exactly that role in society. Our calling is to stand up for moral principles. Through living a life of love, grace and forgiveness, we show the world what the kingdom of God looks like and help to spread the good news of salvation.

Salt has always been valued for its purity, and I believe that’s what Jesus was encouraging in his followers. He wanted the world to see their purity through the quality of their relationship with one another. Through living peacefully and lovingly together, they would give people an insight into the new life that Christ came to bring. No wonder Jesus wanted his disciples to be like salt.

Question

In what ways is your community touched by the influence of Christians?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to have the qualities of salt, so that those around us will get to know what you are like. Amen