City Life Starter

Written by Calah Jackson

The Word

“Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? 35 It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

-Luke 14:34-35

Reflection

I’ve read this passage many times, without grasping it in context of what Jesus is speaking about. In Jesus’ time, salt was understood as a preserving agent and a flavor enhancer. It slowed decay and brought out the flavor in food. We see Jesus establish us as salt and this reveals a distinct honor to serve this world enhancing the flavor of the Word and slowing the decay of a world sick with sin.

Jesus calls us salt but if salt loses its saltiness…then what?

In this time, most salt came from natural deposits. I’m sure your first thought like mine was The Dead Sea, but it also came from salt marshes or rock salt layers in caves. The difference between these salt sources and our modern day table salt is that our salt is processed and shelf stable, but salt of this time often was a mixture of salt, sediment, and other minerals. When this naturally occurring salt was exposed to elements, like water from humidity or condensation, it wasn’t the minerals or the sediment that would leach out of the compound, it was the water-soluble salt that would dissolve out. This would leave behind a chalky substance that could no longer act as a preservative or a flavoring agent. Jesus tells us that this “salt” wasn’t even useful in manure piles but only to be thrown out. Picture going to use salt and discovering that it just had the look of salt with none of the effectiveness.

Imagine being in a medical emergency, fever, fatigue, heart racing, and rashes all over. You don’t know what is going on with your body, but you know that you’re in desperate need of help and healing. A friend gets you in the car and takes you to the nearest hospital. You zoom up to the emergency room entrance and rush in. Finally you’re taken into the examination room and begin sharing about the pain you are experiencing. The doctor looks at you in sympathetic shock with wide eyes as they start to slowly back out of the room admitting “I’m so sorry, I’m not actually a doctor, I’m just dressed-up as one.” The look, but none of the effectiveness.

Now imagine that person in your life who you know is in desperate need of the love of Jesus. They come to you looking to share in the peace and hope and assurance you say you have. They’re wanting and needing to hear your testimony, your redemption story and the Gospel. Are they met with a disciple bringing bold enhancement of the word of God or are they met with an ineffective look alike? Are you a disciple who has embraced the cost of following and suffering like Christ, or do you just “dress-up” like a Christian?

Jesus says salt is what we are and He offers a staunch warning to us that just because we are currently effective, not to impose on our salty properties, but rather to intentionally remain salty.

Jesus knew the people of His time would understand the importance of salt in their everyday lived experiences. They wouldn’t just take this as a metaphor, but would be able to easily link this example to practical moments. Being reminded of this commission every time they saw the natural salt reserves around them or went to package and use salt.

Jesus also knew we would live in a microwave society full of quick fixes. He knew this teaching would challenge us as well. He knew to remain salty would mean living counter to what the culture says is good and embracing an upside-down kingdom perspective. Kingdom responsibilities cannot be outsourced or ordered on an app. There is a cost and we must count it. We are living in a world that doesn’t often have to deal with much cost in terms of suffering or struggling. Our nation is full of privilege and while it’s not morally bad to have this lived experience, it’s that much harder to be vigilant to our own saltiness leaching out.

Application

There is so much at our disposal to consume or be distracted with, but the charge of Jesus is to “guard the good deposit that was entrusted to [us]—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” We are reminded in 2 Timothy 1:13-14 that the pattern of sound teaching with faith and love in Christ Jesus is something worthy of being guarded. Be on guard as you make a habit of Bible reading and personal devotion. Be on guard as you go about your daily errands or chores to check who is enthroned in your heart. Be on guard in relationships and as you pray for the people in your life that you’re asking God to redeem. Stand on guard so we stay sharp and available as tools in the Potter’s hand, able to gain ground in this world as we await the return of Jesus. Stand on guard to remain kingdom-minded and kingdom effective, allowing this world to taste and see that our God is good.

The world needs disciples who have counted the cost, who preserve truth, and bring out the richness and impact of the Gospel every single day. Are you salty?

Prayer

Lord, let the impact of the Gospel restore the saltiness in me today. Don’t let the richness of Your redemptive work leach out of me. Help me to guard this good deposit You have made and the work You are doing. Do this not just for my benefit, but to glorify yourself through a broken vessel like me. Let Your kingdom come in power in my soul today. Amen.