What Affects Our Saltiness

Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear! - Luke 14:34-35

Last week the Bible Study leader made the comment that salt cannot lose it's flavor or properties. I was familiar with what Jesus said about salt so I thought I needed to dig a little deeper. It turns out that pure salt (sodium chloride) does not lose its saltiness over time; however, salt that contains impurities or additives can lose its flavor due to exposure to moisture or other conditions. In ancient times, less pure forms of salt could become tasteless if the sodium chloride was washed away or diluted.

So Jesus was referring to pure salt becoming impure. So I needed to look at the Spiritual context of saltiness. Christians who are pure - washed from sin - wholly devoted to God add "spiritual flavor" to the culture they live in. 

For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing. - 2 Corinthians 2:15

But - if they allow the culture to dilute their saltiness - then they are no longer accomplishing their purpose on earth. They become indistinguishable from the lost. In other words if the Christians allow the flesh, sin, to suppress, quench, the Spirit in them then they, as salt, will lose the ability to have a spiritual effect in the world and thus nullify their God-given purpose. Holiness is no small matter but I fear that its importance is often taken lightly. If I sin I will be forgiven.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. - 1 John 1:8-10

In the case of unconfessed sin - my spiritual impact is stunted. That should concern you if it doesn't. It is not just an impediment to our witness in the world but in our relationship with the Lord.

Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive blessing from the Lord, And righteousness from the God of his salvation. - Psalm 24: 3-5

The point is not about losing your salvation - which is the source of your saltiness, but embracing sin and your old nature which dilutes your saltiness.

Don't lose your saltiness for God's glory and the good of others.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it.  Let your light shine and give God the glory.  

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone