The Salty Life

Back when my children were little, for a number of years I carved fish out of scrap wood—painting them in funky colors. I also carved Hawaiian-style tikis out of palm trees, and sharks out of driftwood. For a short time, I even had a booth at the Farmer’s Market and operated under the name Salty Joe’s.

It’s kind of funny, but the name actually works on two levels: the salt in the ocean, and the saltiness of the Christian life that Jesus calls us to.

Jesus once said to his followers, “You are the salt of the earth.” And then in another passage: “Have salt in yourselves… and be at peace with one another.”

Think about salt. In biblical days, before refrigeration, salt was a preservative. It was invaluable—actually traded ounce for ounce with gold. Roman soldiers were paid in salt. It’s where we get the word salary, and the expression, “She’s not worth her salt.”

The thing about salt is this: it does not exist for its own good. It exists to season, to enhance, to bring out flavor. It contributes something. When Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth,” he’s telling us that our lives are meant to make a difference.

This invites me to ask: Is there something about my presence that is additive? That doesn’t divide or tear down? Is there something in the way I live, the way I give, the way I interact with others, that adds value—something that brings healing or hope?

In that spirit, I ask God for the grace to live, even just a little, a salty life.

Let us pray:  We thank you, O God, for your calling on our lives—a calling that not only gives meaning and depth, but also leads us to peace. I pray especially today for those who are carrying heavy burdens or suffering in other ways. Draw near to them, and near to us. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.