An Important Ingredient

by R. Darke, Victoria,, B.C., Canada | Category: General | Jun 1993

What is it that finds its way into so many things, is valuable but inexpensive, yet does not seem to receive the importance it deserves? Answer: Salt, that ingredient which is indispensable in our world, and also plays a vital part in the Christian's testimony. Paul's desire that our words should be always with grace, seasoned with salt (Col. 4:6), could indicate a need on our part to take a closer look at the words we use. How carefully do we choose our words? How careless might we be in conveying our thoughts? If our words are to have meaning, carry weight, they must be gracious and have lasting value. If they are to be preserved or salted in the listener's mind for everlasting good, they will be words of grace, love, peace, kindness, patience, thoughtfulness, truth, understanding, tolerance. Such words will carry the right flavour because they are seasoned with SaIL

It is the Lord who elevates the value of salt, and reinforces its positive application in Christian living, with these direct words: "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is ... good for nothing" ~at.

5:13). He had aneady exposed His disciples to the Beatitudes, and how positively His words and desires are salted in them! There is nothing insipid, dull, flat, unseasoned about the sermon on the mounL They are words preserved; this is the active purpose of sall Let us remember that it is the Creator of this remarkable yet insignificant ingredient, that likens us to salt in a world of decay, dissolution, breakdown. leees this mean that the world only remains palatable to Him because we are here? What will this world be like when the Lord comes and removes the salt of the earth? Solemn thought!

Paul's reminder of salt's value seems appropriate. It is so easy for Christians to acquire the jargon of the day, the careless use of words, but he advises: "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt". Seasoned can indicate words that are not insipid, tasteless, but rather words that are acceptable, of value. Salt is a preserver, and the care we take in the choice and use of our words will show the extent of its use in our spiritual lives.

R. Darke, Victoria,, B.C., Canada | Jun 1993
General