I have been thinking all week about salt. Of the million plus thing I could think about salt, I have primarily thought about just how it is that salt is effective. In order for salt to be effective (in preserving or in seasoning) it has to be applied to the thing seasoned or preserved. When you preserve meat with salt, the salt is rubbed all over and into the meat. The salt penetrates the meat. That is the only way it can be effective.When you season with salt, say in a big pot of beans, the salt goes into the water and the salty water cooks the beans. So, the salt via the water, surrounds and penetrates the beans. Otherwise it wouldn't be effective.
In either case, it isn't enough for the salt to be near. It has to cover, surround - penetrate. The salt has to leave its container and come into contact with what it is seasoning or preserving. Leave it in the shaker and it is useless. Spill it near but not on and you have done nothing.
If we (followers of Christ) are the salt of the earth, then do these images of preserving and seasoning not apply to us? How can we act as the salt of the earth (to season and preserve) if we separate ourselves from the thing that needs salt?
In order for the Gospel to penetrate our culture and transform our city, it must be seen and heard in our culture and city. The only way that it can be seen and heard in our culture and city is if WE take it there. And like salt, we are not effective carriers of the gospel by simply being 'near' our culture/city; it does no good for us to stay in the safety and comfort of our 'shaker'. Like salt we have to be poured out and mixed up with those who need saltiness.
Rather than fleeing - or even staying distant from those who live lives apart from the Gospel - we are called to mix it up with them! To be In the world, but not Of the world. I know that scares some religious folks who thinks that they must protect themselves from all of cultures ills - RELAX - Jesus has got your back - He is interceding on your behalf! In fact, here is his prayer for you in John 17:15 I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one. Do you think that the Father hears the Son? Do you think that He is able? Yes? Then get out of the shaker and mix it up! Live for the sake of the gospel!
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. (Matthew 5:23)
