Musick-al Note # 178
Jesus statement in Matthew 5:13 arrests one’s attention so that it is difficult to read further. Should we re-read the passage it does say what we thought, but it is still hard to comprehend. Does salt lose its saltiness? How then can it be called salt? If not salt, what is it then? Sand I suppose. All would agree that Jesus was speaking of disciples being the salt of the earth, the saving influence, the enhancer of life. Changing the figure from salt to Christians, we can answer those nagging questions that form in our minds. A Christian’s influence is to preserve humanity and enhance every life. Can a Christian lose his influence? To be sure. Here is a “Christian” wife who must attend services alone. She wonders why her husband is not moved to obey the gospel for many had spoken to him about his soul. At home, she nags and nags, in public she belittles him, in speech she is sharp tongued and short tempered, nor does she ever read the Bible and pray. Did her spiritual life ‘save’ him or ‘enhance’ his life and love? She has lost her ‘saltiness’ as far as he is concerned because her influence did nothing to bring him to salvation.
Here is a “Christian” man who sometimes serves at the Lord’s Table, leads a prayer and appears righteous on Sunday. Monday, he curses, swears and rages because of a mistake of an employee. Tuesday, he lies and cheats on his business deals. Wednesday, he “puts over a “slick deal” and charges a fellow Christian twice over what he should have. Thursday, he spends the day fishing with a “prospective customer” (an old buddy). Friday, his drinking is so bad he is sent home to “rest”. Saturday, he is unfit for human eyes, alternately sleeping, drinking and raging. Has his spiritual life worked to ‘save’ a friend or enhanced their lives? Has his conduct brought sweetness and goodness to his family and acquaintances? He has lost his ‘saltiness’ because his influence does more harm than good and even brings shame upon the Lord’s body. Jesus said, “Salt that has lost its saltiness is good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of man.” Doesn’t this reveal what the “Christian” is when he has lost his influence in evil living?
Is there no remedy? Yes, when Man repents and makes his influence good instead of evil. God will forgive even the vilest person when they believe and obey His Word. They can become an influence to save themselves and others as well as to enhance their lives.
Gordon Musick
Musick-al Notes 