Being "Salty" in the Best of Ways

Jesus names us the “salt” and “light” of the world. What does that mean? Especially the salty bit.

Hi beautiful being,

I love salt. This is super handy, because I also love food—which, the magical white mineral often helps taste better. Truth be told, I have a hunch “salt” is actually pixie dust. Of course, my zest for the substance sometimes leads me to over dump sprinkle it on a dish—essentially ruining the taste by overpowering everything else. The thing about salt is: It is not meant to be the star ingredient. Salt’s purpose is to highlight other flavors, helping them better standout.

I bring this up because I’m convinced Jesus is saying something quite powerful by naming you and I “the salt of the earth”. (Matthew 5:13) Now, to fully realize what this means about us, it’s important to add some context. When Jesus uttered those words in the Sermon on the Mount some two-thousand years ago—and throughout the majority of human history—salt was way more than merely a flavor enhancer. People did—and still do in some places—use it for preserving food, disinfecting wounds, treating certain skin diseases, and warding off evil spirits; as well as other medicinal and religious purposes.

In other words, salt makes things better in a variety of ways. Well, at least when it’s used well. As with much in life, salt’s blessing can also be a curse. Historically, when the victor really wanted to stick it to the loser after a battle, they would salt their fields so the vanquished couldn’t grow crops. Sometimes they’d even go so far as to level and burn down a city (or more), before salting it to prevent rebuilding. In a similar manner, salt can also be used to torture or harm a person—hence the saying “add salt to the wound”.

I’m struck by how these little white particles can heal or hurt, enhance or overwhelm, preserve or ruin, and so on. And, isn’t it interesting how—generally speaking—salt has a negative effect when it is the “star”? Applying this to us, as Jesus does, really gets me thinking. How about you, friend?

As I ponder his words, it occurs to me that being “the salt of the earth” means:

Humanity’s job is to help, heal, and enhance—not to star. Our mission is to bless and benefit people, animals, fish, plants, trees, and the rest of our planet. The key to staying true to this task is to consciously avoid the temptation to “oversalt” things by competing with “ingredients”—which leads to hurt, harm, ruin, and so on.

(From Inspiring Quotes)

I don’t think it’s an accident that Jesus immediately follows this up by declaring us “the light of the world”. (Matthew 5:14) Light, like salt, is an enhancer. It warms, brings clarity, allows us to see things we otherwise couldn’t, heals, and lifts our disposition. What is more, akin to salt, too much light is a hindrance that blinds and burns us. One could even say, the violent explosion of a bomb is essentially the energy of light gone massively wrong.

Isn’t it fascinating how well the images of salt and light play together? Both can bring great benefits, or do a lot of harm. That’s why I find Jesus’ reminder that you and I are salt and light so powerful. Within each and every one of us lies the energy to hurt or help ourselves, others, animals, and the planet. The choice is ours, and ours alone.

What do you think, friend? What stood out to you? What does us being “salt” and “light” mean to you? Are there any changes this moves you to make? I can’t wait to hear from you in the comments! By the way, what I wrote was inspired by a bit I read from Debie Thomas at the Center for Action and Contemplation (you can read it here).

Hugs & Love,

Lang (aka “Dr. Love”)

P.S. Did you know that clicking the “like” button 🤍 helps other people find this post—while bringing a smile to my face? Also, if you think this could aid anyone, please consider sharing and/or “restacking” it. And above all, remember: You are amazing, and I hope you have a beautiful day!