MAINTAIN YOUR SALTINESS

 

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus told His disciples (Christians), “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?” What was He implying?

Salt is used to season and preserve food. Without it, food does not taste as good, and goes bad quickly. So if Christians are the salt of the earth, then we should be the seasoning and preserving agent of the world.

One cannot lose something one never had. Losing our saltiness means losing the effectiveness we once had; it means losing our testimony and influence. Although it is sad, it happens quite often in the Church, government, corporations, and even in families.   

What kind of testimony do we have among family, friends, and neighbors? Do people ever wonder if we are Christians as we profess? What can make people doubt our sincerity? Is it preaching one thing and doing the opposite? I think so.

The end result of losing saltiness is devastating. Unbelievers turn their back on the gospel, saying, “If that is Christianity, I want no part of it.” By not living up to the standards we teach and preach, we put hindrances in their way. Also, instead of people seeing our good deeds and praising our Father in heaven (see Matthew 5:16), they blaspheme His name. “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” (Romans 2:24 NIV).   

We also need to understand that our way of life does not affect only unbelievers; it affects believers as well. We are commanded to encourage one another daily (see Hebrews 3:12), not only by quoting Scripture and saying encouraging words, but also by living right, according to the Word of God.

Once saltiness is lost, it is lost, and the salt is useless; there is no way to restore its saltiness. Likewise, when we blow our testimony by misconduct we lose our influence, and instead, become stumbling blocks. The restoration to our previous effectiveness in ministry or amongst our sphere of influence is very difficult, once we’ve lost it.  Quite often, the guilt and shame that result from loss of testimony, force people to step down from whatever position they once held. 

The devil loves to see us fail so that he can accuse us before the Father. After all, he is known as the accuser of the brethren. 

The secret to maintaining saltiness is:

·        Trust God and obey Him. 

·        Abide in Christ, the Vine (see John 15:1-8).

·        Be vigilant at all times; because the devil is prowling around looking to cause havoc (see 1 Peter 5:8).

·        Resist the devil (see 1 Peter 5:9). Put on and keep on the full armor of God 24/7 (see Ephesians 6:11-18).

Let us remember, it is easier to maintain a good testimony (saltiness) than trying to restore one that has been shattered!