Salt of the Earth

"Ye are the salt of the earth..." Matthew 5:13

Tucked away in my Bible is page from the "Daily Bread," a devotional published by the Radio Bible Class. It has been in my Bible for at least 20 years. This particular devotional was written by M. R. DeHaan. Here it is in its entirety. "People do not usually realize the importance of salt in connection with maintaining the life and health of their bodies. In our bloodstream there is always an exact percentage of salt, and any great deviation from this amount would result in sickness and in death.

Salt is a sustainer of life. For this reason sea water will support many times more organic life than fresh water. Salt is also a preservative, for it greatly retards corruption. Salt is a splendid condiment, adding zest am savor to our food.

Salt in the Scriptures is said to be:
1. A symbol of a binding covenant (Lev. 2:13; 2 Chronicles 13:5).
2. A healing aid in its cleansing properties (2 Kings 2:20, 21).
3. A stimulant to the appetite (Job 6:6).
4. A promoter of soundness (Luke 14:34, 35).
5. A promoter of peace (Mark 9:50).
6. A stimulant to our testimony (Matt. 5:13).
7. An evidence of grace (Col. 4:6).

How much 'salt' do you display in your everyday contacts with others? Can they tell by your sanctified actions that you have been with Jesus? Is your word a dependable as a covenant of salt (2 Chronicles 13:5)? Does your influence have a healing virtue? Do you create an appetite for Christ in others? Do you promote honesty and encourage others to live peaceably? Do you have the evidence of His salting grace in your life? By this, judge the level of your sanctification.

Remember today as you go into the world of corruption that you are to be the preserving 'salt.'”