You are the salt of the earth! But watch out!
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?” (Matt. 5:13)
Salt is needed by all known living creatures and is used for both flavoring and preservation. If abused, it can be harmful. It is also detrimental to have no salt intake because it regulates the water content in our bodies.
Salt without flavor is no good!
Jesus said we are “the salt of the earth,” but He went on to say, “what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?”
He said, “It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.”
Jesus was talking about believers who have once been strong but have lost their fervor or gusto. He spoke of this in the book of Revelation, when He said to the churches, “You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” (Rev. 2:4-5)
It happens gradually
Believers who were once strong and vibrant in their faith, who were once on fire for Him, cool down and become lukewarm. Eventually, they become ineffective and unproductive in their relationship with God. This is dangerous!
Jesus spoke about being lukewarm
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.” (Rev. 3:15-18 KJV)
Here’s what Jesus said to do
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Rev. 3:20 KJV)
“Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent.” (Rev. 3:2-3)
Therefore…
“Therefore say to them, 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, "Return to Me," declares the LORD of hosts, "that I may return to you," says the LORD of host.” (Zech. 1:3 NASB)