Article August 10, 1981 Issue

Keeping our salt salty

DENNIS A. MAYNARD

In Christ Jesus' day fishermen found salt indispensable in preserving their catches. Other people used it for pickling olives and vegetables, as well as for keeping meat from spoiling. In addition to its function as a seasoning, salt also played an important role in religious ritual. As valuable as money, this condiment was sometimes used as a medium of exchange in commercial ventures and was often heavily taxed.

Is it any wonder, then, that Jesus told the disciples that they were "the salt of the earth"^{Matt. 5:13.} and warned them not to let their salt lose its savor? Jesus often used familiar, simple things from daily life to illustrate spiritual points. It behooves us, as present-day disciples, to understand the deeper meaning of the Master's statements.

Metaphysically speaking, salt might be said to have two symbolic functions: to save from corruption and to add zest to life. To embrace moral qualities such as faithfulness, honesty, discipline, and obedience saves us from the corrupting influence of the material world. Approaching our activities with joy, gratitude, and inspiration enables us to relish daily life and its challenges. This routs dullness and boredom.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

A pure sense of companionship