In a fun Christian gathering I attended, each person had to take a turn to answer this question: “If you had to choose to be one thing in this world, what do you want to be, and why?”

I thought it was an interesting question. Actually I wasn’t sure what I would respond, which is why I was glad my turn came almost toward the end. Well, someone answered he wanted to be “money,” another said “a pen” (perhaps to be an instrument in communicating truth?), while others came up with other creative, funny, wonderful ideas.

After pondering about it, I decided that I wish to be like salt! Why? Because salt has certain characteristic traits found in the kind of person I want to become.

First, salt causes a thirst. I’d like my conversation to cause others to thirst for more of God. I want to help others realize their need for the Living Water of Life — Who is Jesus Christ. I’m reminded Jesus once said, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever.” (John 4:13-14) Many have tried to find fulfillment and quench their “thirst” by turning to alcohol, drugs, money, fame, etc., though they only last but for a season. Matthew 5:13 says, “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” Therefore, I need to continually remind myself never to “water down” (compromise) my message, so that it may not lose its “saltiness” and impact.

Secondly, salt seasons food and makes things taste good. When I cook without salt, the dish tastes bland and appeals less to the appetite. The Bible tells us, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6) The first time I read this verse, I wasn’t sure what it means. But now I realize that when I share a message of God’s love to others or answer questions about my faith, I want to be able to communicate the Christian faith in a way that would be palatable to them — in a winsome, consistent, truthful, and reasonable way. My conversation should be “seasoned with salt” so that it not only causes others to thirst for more of God, but also contains an ingredient that makes an otherwise bland, solemn conversation about faith come alive.

Thirdly, I want to be like salt because it is a preservative. Salt can be used as a means to preserve food from spoiling. I hope my conversation can be used as a preservative to encourage others in times of trial, solidify them in their faith, and encourage them to persevere in “running the race” of life.

Fourthly, salt can also be used to melt ice. This is why some people may pour salt over the snow on their driveway. I want to be able to touch and inspire the hearts of others. I hope that God may use my words to soften the cold stony hearts of those who have hardened themselves toward Him, so that He may then mold their hearts and lives for Him.

Last but not least, salt has an ability to construct or hold things together. I didn’t know this at the time of the fellowship, but I learned only recently that salt can be used in everything imaginable. Did you know that salt is even used in the concrete they pour to pave streets? It keeps the cement from crumbling and cracking. Likewise, I know that my words should be constructive, not destructive.

Wow, talk about a multi-purpose ingredient! I have so much to learn and am in a lifelong process of learning to be like all the above — to be the “salt of the earth.” Meanwhile, I don’t think I could ever look at salt the same way again, though.

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored?” —Matthew 5:13

Posted: Saturday, July 15th, 2006 at 1:25 pm. Category: Essays, Personal.
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