ARE YOU WORTH YOUR SALT?

Matthew 5:13

13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.

Have you heard of the phrase “you’re not worth your salt”? 

“Worth your salt” means that you deserve the pay or reward that you get.

Some say that they were paid in rations that were called “sal”, which meant salt and when money was substituted for these rations, they called it “salarium.” 

The word “salery” comes from the Latin word salarium, which means “salt money.”

THE BELIEVERS ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH

“Ye are the salt of the earth…”

The assumption is that every believer is the salt of the earth – normative and never optional; functional and not only potential.

Understanding the worth of salt.  Salt was a highly prized commodity in early times – even covenants and offerings were seasoned with salt.

A preservative.  Salt is most commonly used as a preservative.  Preservatives are used to fight decay.

Christians as salt of the earth.  The Christian, as salt of the earth, is to counteract the corruption that is in the world.

THE BELIEVERS ARE WARNED

“…but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men.” 

Salt can lose it savor, its saltiness.  Then it becomes good for nothing but to be thrown to the earth and be stumped by men.  How does it happen?

Losing its savor.  Salt, during those times in Palestine, is not manufactured but is obtained from marshes along seashores which dry up in summer.  Salt, then, when in contact with the ground, or exposed to rain and sun, does become useless. 

Christians can lose its saltiness.  This pertains to those who claim to be believers and yet have immersed themselves so much with the world that their saltiness are lost that they would later become dysfunctional Christians.

A warning.  The quest for spiritual significance should never cease to be our passion.  To be friends with the world would destroy the purpose to which the Lord has called us into – salt of the earth and light of the world. 

Conclusion

“Are you worth your salt?” means “do you deserve what you are called for and entrusted with?” We are called to be salt of the earth and as such become significant players of the purposes of God for the saints. May we be numbered with the faithful… may we share the glory that is to be revealed!  Let us begin 2015 resolved to be “salt of the earth.”

Prepared by Pastor Raymond Mangahas

Sunday Service - January 4, 2015