Did you know there are more uses for salt than sprinkling it on your french fries or adding it to your favorite recipe? According to the Salt Association in the UK, the following are 10 surprising uses for salt:

1. Keeps milk fresh.
2. Revives over-brewed coffee.
3. Relieves your sore throat.
4. Peels eggs more easily.
5. Tests the freshness of an egg.
6. Removes stains.
7. Eliminates odors.
8. Keeps windows frost-free.
9. Reduces eye puffiness.
10. Gives your skin a glow.

Maybe some of our readers are already aware of some of those interesting uses for salt. Others, perhaps, are unfamiliar. If you’re over a certain age and live in areas of the country that are lucky enough to get snow in the winter months, then you’re probably familiar with the trucks that spray rock salt on the roads to melt the ice and rust the undercarriages of our cars!

Jesus knew the value—and dangers—of salt in His time on earth as well. In Matthew 5:13 (NIV), Jesus told His followers: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”

To fully understand Jesus’ metaphor, we need to know a little more about the role of salt in biblical times. We can be fairly certain that none of the references to salt in the Bible are talking about the iodized and neatly packaged salt we have in our kitchens. Even the coarse grain salt we buy to grind ourselves is far from what Jesus knew.

Ancient Egyptians would harvest salt for the purpose of curing and preserving the meat of fish and animals. Without the luxuries of ice and refrigeration, salt was a necessary means to preserve food for the long term. Curing practices spread and it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility that Jesus would have been familiar with the practice of curing fish caught in the Sea of Galilee. Those to whom He was speaking would have also known of this firsthand, so when they heard Jesus calling them “the salt of the earth,” they would have quickly made the connection. Followers of Jesus are meant to preserve and protect those who hear and receive the message of the gospel.

As we know, salt also enhances our food, taking a meal and raising it to another delectable level. What might start as ordinary can become unforgettable with just a pinch of salt. That same meal, however, can be ruined beyond return with too much salt. Followers of Jesus have a role to play as enhancing agents as well. 

When we exhibit Christlike behavior, we can bring a taste of the Kingdom to the people with whom we interact. In Colossians 4:6 (NIV), Paul writes, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” When writing to the church in Colossae, Paul is giving instruction as to how to speak to those who are not yet believers in a manner that will encourage people to learn more about Jesus, rather than language that might repel and cause them to run from the gospel. Being too “salty” will ruin the flavor of the gospel for the unbeliever.

A quick Google search reveals that when used as a slang term, “salty” is often used to describe someone who acts in a resentful, bitter or irritated way. Or, you may have heard the term used to describe the reputed colorful language of sailors, riddled with cruel speech or cursing. Either way, a believer who is too salty does not enhance the message we’re meant to proclaim. 

A phrase used in the church says, “You may be the only Bible that others read.” The meaning of this phrase implies that while some may never pick up a Bible to read it, they will inevitably interact with someone who claims to be a follower of Jesus. With that in mind, what version of the Bible are you living? Does your speech echo the words of Christ? Would a stranger or even a co-worker know that you are a believer by the way you engage with others?

1 John 4:12 (NIV) reminds us, “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” Those who claim Christ as Savior testify to God’s great love in our lives; we are forever grateful for such great love. That love should be evidenced in our speech and interactions with others. Can others see God in you?

Singer/songwriter Lara Landon sings, “I See God In You.” The lyrics express this idea that we ought to reflect Christ:

There’s something different in your eyes

Something honest in the way you speak

Every time you come around me

One look at you and I feel at peace

I see God in you

I know that’s not something you go around saying

But I do believe it’s true

I see God in you

While the uses for salt are too numerous to explore on these pages, it is safe to say the spiritual application for us is rather simple—are you salty or seasoned? It is far better to be good salt, seasoning our interactions, than too salty for the spiritual palette.  

This article was originally titled “Salty or Seasoned?” in the November 2024 issue of The War Cry.