Stay Salty: Christian Influence in the World

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6).

Today, the word “salty” often describes an angry or irritated person. It carries a negative connotation. The Bible, on the other hand, describes Jesus-followers as the “salt of the earth.” From a biblical perspective, a “salty” Christian effectively carries out the mission of sharing Jesus with the world.

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus used salt and light as metaphors to teach his disciples: “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God- flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Salt adds flavor, and it preserves! Just as our bodies cannot survive without salt, the world cannot survive without Christ!

As salt and light, we are able to show others more of God and less of us. His light shines through us in how we live and love. The adage, “You may be the only Bible some person ever reads,” motivates us to deeply consider our influence and not be conformed to the world. The world is drawn to God when the contrast to this world is compelling. Nothing compares to life in Christ. We want this same blessed life for others!

Your Call to Action

How can we increase our saltiness? Read these scriptures out loud and pray for God’s direction in this area.

“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So, live as people of light!” (Ephesians 5:8).

“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).

“Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another” (Mark 9:50).

Prayer

Our Heavenly Father, we praise You today for the gift You have given us through Your Son, Jesus! We ask that You keep us salty in our walk with You. Keep us refreshed in spirit, and let Your light never dim in our hearts. We desire to grow deeper in our relationship with You. Help us to walk the walk (and not just talk the talk), so people around us will know You live in us. Please help us be inspired by Your Word to tell everyone the Good News about You! We thank you, Lord, for Your goodness to us! In Your name, we pray, Amen!

A Comforting Closure

“Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). God gave us the Bible as a map to navigate life on earth – we are to share the same gift with others. His Word is for everyone and will help through any obstacle we encounter. Stay salty in Him and be light bearers! He is so worthy!

Sign up for www.millionvoices.org today (text MV to 80550) and share this devotion with your friends and family.