Jesus tells us in Matthew’s Gospel that “we are the salt of the earth.” Few people really appreciate how special that is. Anyone who cooks knows that just adding a little salt when making soup makes a big difference. Notice, however, too much salt can make the soup too salty. Just the right amount brings the best out of the ingredients in the soup.

In life, we are expected to bring the best out of people. That is what Jesus meant when He said we are “salt.” We have to be careful of being too “salty.” We then bring too much of ourselves in a relationship.

Salt can keep food from spoiling. This was especially true before the days of refrigeration. It is also a means of purification. When a conversation is getting bad, it is our calling to clean it up.

Jesus tells us that people should see our good works and “give glory to the Father in heaven.” There have been occasions when I have taken the time to help someone and they responded: “You are a Godsend.” That was their way of giving glory to God for the act of kindness. That’s what it means to be the “salt of the earth.”

In ancient times, a Roman soldier was paid in salt. If he was a good soldier, it was said, “he is worth his salt.” We have to ask ourselves, “Are we worth our salt?”

God bless.