Be Salty // Colossians 4:6

I try to take today’s verse to heart. The Apostle Paul told his readers to make sure their conversations are always seasoned with salt. Why salt? Are we supposed to use “salty” language? Nope! We are to look at salt like how Jesus taught in Matthew 5:13, that we are to be salt for the earth as we follow Him.

Salt has some very useful purposes. Salt preserves, enhances the flavor of foods when applied, as well as bringing its own unique flavor. But, the sodium chloride can break down over time, causing the salt to lose some of its zest. That is a long process, mind you, but it happens. When it does, as Jesus implied, the salt is thrown out and trampled under foot. Why is that? Well, I’m glad you asked — salt is also used as a herbicide! It can kill certain grasses and weeds, as well as prevent regrowth, which is why it was frequently scattered on roads to prevent natural growth. The Carthaginians also used salt in fields to prevent them from being used for agriculture to support a population.

So, we see all these different metaphors emerge…salt in our conversations can be used to add a unique zest; enhance our common bond; preserve hope and faith in pointing to Jesus; and working to prevent the weeds of the enemy (by that, I mean Satan) from taking root in our lives. There is so much to consider with ensuring we are salt in the earth, and sharing that with others, so I pray you take heart of that today. Be salty, my friends, and stay salty!