Matthew 5:13

“Influencers are a big part of our world now, largely a creation of the internet and social media,” observed Mark Roberts in his newly released book “The Sermon on the Mount for Everyone.”

While certain people exert influence through facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube, Mark makes the point that “being an influencer isn’t a new phenomenon that arrived in the 21st century.”

In Jesus’ famous Mountain Message He compares influencers to salt.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

Mark observed that the use of salt in Jesus’ day was not primarily for seasoning food. Without modern day refrigeration, salt was used to keep food from spoiling. It was employed as a preservative.

In a similar way, Jesus is calling on His followers to serve as a preserving influence in a wicked world. Mark was right when he wrote, “the world is rotten through and through. It’s corrupted by sin and hardened sinners. The world is spoiled by sin. It’s decaying and decomposing.”

Thus, we must be careful not to be contaminated and corrupted by the world’s influence. Rather we must allow the preserving affect of the gospel to change hearts, minds, and lives.

Although persevering may be the main application of Jesus’ command, it’s worth noting as Barclay observes that “salt was connected with purity.” Apparently the Roman culture considered glistering white salt the purest of all elements because it came from the sand and the sea. Earlier Jesus pronounced God’s favor on those who are “pure in heart.” Purity of heart is necessary for us to rightly influence others.

In addition, salt flavors. This may not be the primary point of Jesus’ instruction, but it’s a valid and easy application to see. Food without salt may taste bland. Christianity is to life what salt is to food. We’re a poor influence on the world when they look at Christianity as banal or boring. People shouldn’t see us as people who are kill-joys, but rather those who bring real joy.

As a side note, remember that salt is not poured on food like milk on cereal or cream in coffee. It’s sprinkled. Just a pinch of salt can make a difference. Thus, your influence can be subtle. Not overbearing, dictatorial, or oppressive. Some of the best “salt of the earth” folks are quiet, calm, and unassuming, simply going about their business sprinkling love, joy, peace, serving others, and living righteous, godly lives.

Finally, for salt to be of any value or influence, we must get it out of the sack or shaker. If the salt is sitting in the pantry, it isn’t providing any flavor for the food on the table. In the same way, Christians must get off their pews, out of their buildings, and into the world.

We are to be the “salt of the earth” as we do business in the marketplace, enjoy wholesome recreation, participate in community affairs, engage in good works, and serve our fellow man. We should be the seasoning that makes the world a better, happier and more hopeful place.

However, just as salt is useless when it loses its saltiness, so is the Christian who fails to exercise a spiritual, Christ-like influence. “Good for nothing,” Jesus said.

Be “the salt of the earth.” But as Rebecca West reminds us, “Nobody likes having salt rubbed into their wounds, even if it is the salt of the earth.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman