You are the Salt of the Earth: Living to Make a Difference
Salt seems small, but it does so much. It preserves, enhances, and brings out flavor. Too much of it can harm, too little goes unnoticed. And just like that, we as believers are called to be the salt of the earth.
This was a parable spoken by Lord Jesus Christ written on Matthew 5:13.
13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
What did Jesus mean when He called us the salt of the earth? How do we, as believers, lose our taste, our impact, our influence, our purpose? And what happens when we do? Can we really become useless and be trampled underfoot?
CONTENT
Salt in our Speech
Colossians 4:6
6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Here, salt represents wisdom and grace in how we talk to others. It reminds us that our words carry weight — they can heal, build up, and reflect Christ. But if we speak with bitterness, pride, or carelessness, we lose that “savor.” We lose our ability to represent Christ well.
Salt Keeps its Purpose
Mark 9:50
50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
This reminds us that salt doesn’t just add flavor, it reflects our inner character. In the world we live in, not everyone around us shares our faith. Some of our friends or even family members might not believe in God. And sadly, many people today speak carelessly: harsh words, hurtful jokes, and unfiltered opinions are just normal for them. But as believers, we’re called to be different. We help “balance out” the world by showing kindness, patience, and grace in how we speak and live. And without even trying to preach, people notice that. They see how we respond, how we carry ourselves, and sometimes, that quiet example is what touches hearts the most.
It doesn’t mean we have to be loud about our faith. Being “seasoned with salt,” as Colossians 4:6 says, is often about subtle, consistent living — choosing words that build up instead of tear down, being calm when others are quick to anger, showing compassion when it's easier to judge. It’s in the way we handle misunderstandings, how we forgive, and how we treat those who may never return the kindness. These little things may seem small, but just like salt, they make a lasting impact.
How our Words can Bless or Hurt
James 3:5-6,8,10
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Salted speech isn’t just about being kind or graceful, it also brings restraint. It holds back the fire of anger, sarcasm, bitterness, and pride. Our words have power. They can either poison relationships or preserve them. That’s why God calls us to season our speech, not to sugarcoat the truth, but to speak with wisdom, balance, and love. Just like real salt, the right amount of grace and truth can make a world of difference.
Too much can hurt when we speak truth without love, it can come off as harsh or self-righteous. But too little grace or conviction? It waters down our message, and people might not take us seriously. In some cases, it opens the door for others to belittle us, speak behind our backs, or question our sincerity. That’s what Jesus meant when He warned us not to lose our “savor”, because when we do, we lose our influence.
As believers, we’re not called to blend in, but to stand out, not loudly, but meaningfully. Through our words, our tone, and our presence, we reflect the character of Christ. And that starts with how we choose to speak..
SUMMARY
Being the salt of the earth means we carry God's grace wherever we go, not to overpower, but to preserve goodness and bring out the beauty in others. That’s how we reflect Christ. It’s not always easy, but remember, a little salt goes a long way. Your presence, your words, your attitude, they matter more than you think.
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