Mesmerized by the myriad choices of sea salt at a local gourmet shop, I had an epiphany. Maybe it was fueled by my morning reading in Matthew 5, but my mind went to Christians as the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13-14) The visual before me of so many unique salts came alive as I pondered those verses. The metaphor used by Jesus became a powerful message of our opportunity to be the quiet seasoning of influence in our world. An influence able to change the atmosphere of the culture around us.
“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. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Standing before the salt selection in that gourmet shop, I realized living as salt in the world around me, brings positive transformative and preserving influences on the culture. This in turn makes the world a better place through my God led actions, attitudes and values.
Far from demanding attention, salt’s presence still transforms everything it touches. In the same way, we as Christ followers become the quiet seasoning changing the atmosphere of the world around us. Our quiet acts of grace—patience in a long checkout line, a kind word when we would rather avoid conversation, a smile that sees another weary heart struggling, all carry an influence beyond what we see. Our gentle presence shifts the entire atmosphere of a room or situation.
Subtle Does Not Mean Small
I know well that too much salt overwhelms any dish. The subtle art of salting a dish demonstrates a delicate balance, allowing all the flavors their space to speak.
Just as too much salt overwhelms our cooking, so self-assertion dominates conversation. At times, real spiritual influence involves restraint—the wisdom of knowing when to listen rather than speaking. I prefer thinking of it as allowing love to infuse a situation instead of overpowering it.
The subtle nuances of our presence, actions, and attitudes when inspired by the Holy Spirit, transforms our encounters. But never underestimate the power of a subtle influence even over spaces where you remain simply a presence. Neither diminish the power of your own story of suffering to speak into the lives of others who observe your trust in God’s sovereignty along the hard paths of life.
Salt may provide a subtle addition to a dish, but its presence is powerful. I remember a time when my role at a particular event seemed insignificant to me. Though my own ideas beforehand included my having a more active role, in the end I was little more than silent support.
Yet, every member of the team told me afterward the success of the event was largely due to my “influence.” Those comments serve to remind me no matter how subtle my influence, its result is never small in the hands of God.
Atmosphere Over Argument
Taking our role as the salt of the earth to heart also provides opportunity to change the atmosphere of emotionally charged, or even hostile situations.
Think about walking into a kitchen where someone just removed a freshly baked loaf of bread from the oven. The aroma fills the entire house, changing the atmosphere into one of warmth of comfort.
When we pursue our role of salt to the world around us this is the same power we wield.
We also have the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthains 5:18-20) in our spiritual saltshaker. Prioritizing peace over proving a point or pushing an agenda, we instantly neutralize negative environments.
Our intentionality in our tone, facial expressions, and calm responses create an environment where others feel safe to breathe again. This way of salting our world opens doors for authenticity and connection especially among the marginalized in society.
In my work with hospice, this mindset serves me and others well. Meeting patients and families at their most vulnerable times, I offer a calm hope. By maintaining the welcoming and open attitude of Christ when He walked the earth, I hold space for others to share their stories. Which in turn allows me to offer the love of Christ.
Even when I care for those whose beliefs or lifestyles differ from my own, my quiet saltiness still makes Christ known.
Invisible Impact
Once home from my excursion to the gourmet shop, as I savored my butternut squash risotto made with my new Sale Marino di Trapani sea salt, I realized living as the salt of the earth is not about standing out. Rather it involves blending in just enough to bring positive change.
Even in our own suffering, as we learn to look outward while walking the hard paths trusting in God’s goodness within our hardships, we become the salt of Hope to others walking similar paths. Without words or ostentation, the salt of our solid faithfulness permeates the trials of others.
Our restraint, kindness, authenticity, and values softly permeate the spaces we enter. Jesus often accomplished His greatest works in ordinary moments—over meals, with friends or quiet encounters away from the crowds.
I wonder if perhaps our most powerful ministry is more the faith we quietly embody than the words we speak.
Like the invisible salt in our food, we may never see the effects of our serene spiritual saltiness, but influence is not measured by recognition. The unseen grace we sprinkle today may become a future reminder of God’s presence to a hurting heart.
How will you quietly season the atmosphere around you, at home, in your family, among your neighbors or coworkers, or in an emotionally charged or tense moment through small graces?
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Reading this post has been most timely and confirming, so thank you deeply for this beautiful reflection. “… my quiet saltiness still makes Christ known.”
Joanne, praise God He had timely words for you here. I was thinking as I was writing this post how I often feel ineffective or even like a failure unless I can speak or make progress in witnessing. But not every situation requires that. I am learning how much work God can do with a silent witness of simply bringing Christ quietly to the table.
Oh, how this goes straight to my heart – and the visual it provides! My mother was here for the last of my sons to wed. Because of her health issues, we have to modify how we use salt during her visits. If we salt a dish like we enjoy – it’s too much for her. Yet for other guests, we might not salt enough – it speaks so much of how we need to consider our audience/mission field – sometimes a lighter salt application because too much can have an adverse reaction – and they just shut down. Sometimes, a heavier salt application is needed/welcome. Sometimes, we just need to let the salt in the dish lightly simmer for the flavors to infuse – and sometimes that just takes time. I have loved your message – so perfectly salted!
Praise God Marleigh, that He spoke to you through this simple metaphor. I love the way you applied it even further by personalizing it. Indeed, we must be wise servants using only the amount of salt that will be helpful to others, not a hindrance or off putting. We must employ patience, and even tenderness in adding salt to conversations and encounters!
Donna, thank you for this beautiful invitation to quietly infuse the atmosphere around us—like a fresh-baked loaf that permeates a house—with the love and presence of Christ.
Lisa, thank you for reading and for your encouraging words. I love the metaphor of the fragrance of fresh baked bread permeating the house, it is such that everyone notices! May we be such a lovely addition to every conversation and encounter as to point others towards Christ.