Matthew 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth;" 

 The beatitudes have revealed the vital qualities that will be found in a believer's life.. qualities that distinguish a kingdom citizen from the world.  These qualities would stand in sharp contrast to the character of the Pharisees and Sadducees of Israel. One could not fake these qualities.. True repentance and absolute surrender to God.. faith in the power and promises of God.. righteousness granted through the gift of God, through Jesus Christ.. this is the only way to receive the Kingdom of God. 

Jesus used the illustrations of salt and light to teach His disciples the distinction between true believers and unbelievers. ".. if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."   The Bible Knowledge Commentary states this, ".. the important quality to note is that salt ought to maintain its basic character. If it fails to be salty, it has lost its purpose for existence and should be discarded." 

Mark 9:50 says it this way, "Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalted, with what will you make it salt again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another." The BK Commentary adds this thought: "Here 'salt' depicts what distinguishes a disciple from a non-disciple. A disciple is to maintain his allegiance to Jesus at all costs and to purge out destructive influences." 

In Luke the teaching about salt is found in the context of true discipleship.. "so therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. Therefore, salt is  good; but.. " The  BK Commentary states.. "They ( disciples) must contain the characteristics of discipleship - planning and willing sacrifice - or they are of no value at all. " 

One more reference about salt .. Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person."

So, back to Matthew 5:13.. "You are the salt of the earth.. " The disciple of Jesus Christ, who has the qualities and character of a Kingdom citizen.. who continues to remain "salty" -  is aware of his helplessness, mournful over his sin, humble and gentle, continually seeking the righteousness of Christ, merciful, pure, and a peace-maker... persecuted, but rejoicing..  We hear the call of Jesus to follow Him.. to lay down our lives and take up our crosses.. and live in faith.  As Paul wrote, "I have been crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and delivered Himself up for me." ( Gal. 2:20) This is being the "salt of the earth". 

Father in heaven, Creator of heaven and earth and everything that is in it.. You are the maker of salt.  You have chosen the qualities that You desire in Your Kingdom and You have made the way for us to enter in, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Father, help us to never lose our heavenly flavor.. but to live fully surrendered to You, by faith in Jesus.. that we might season our world with Your grace.  Lord, we are needy people.. helpless to retain the godly qualities on our own.. come Holy Spirit and fill us again and again and again.. every minute of every day.. so that the Light of Jesus will shine forth from us. We ask this in Your Name, Jesus, amen.