Deborah Towles is the wife of Gale Towles who preaches for the State Line church of Christ in Charlotte, NC. Last June, Deborah and Gale celebrated their 40th anniversary. They have four children and nineteen grandchildren. Deborah and Gale both learned many lessons from the garden from their parents and grandparents. They still love to play in the dirt and share its bounty with family and friends! Her email address is deboraht@carolina.rr.com
WOMEN’S INSIGHTS
As the salt of the earth, disciples should set an example of obedience, so that others may be drawn to the Source of living water and quench their spiritual thirst.
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13). Salt is a curious substance. It is extracted from water yet removes moisture, preserves, yet corrodes, purifies, yet poisons. It promotes thirst and enhances flavor. It is essential to life; without it, most living things die.
Salt in the ocean originates from rocks. Carbon dioxide combines with water in the atmosphere, causing rain to be slightly acidic. Rain causes rocks to deteriorate. Particles, including salt, are washed away, eventually ending up in the ocean. Salt can be gathered from dry salt-sea beds above the ground, from underground caverns and springs, and from lakes that have no outlet, such as the Dead Sea.
Historically, salt was a luxury enjoyed by the rich, but necessary to all. Wars have been fought for control of this precious resource, and the lack of it has turned the tide of the history of nations. The word “salary” originates from the Latin word for “salt,” because it related to the ability of Roman soldiers to acquire it. To be considered “worth one’s salt” meant to be worthy of one’s salary, or to have a worthy character. Conversely, “not worth his salt” is a negative reflection on the value of one’s character. Salt is extremely valuable, worth great sacrifice and effort to obtain.
In ancient times, salt was the most effective and widely used food preservative, removing moisture, and arresting the process of decay. This preservative power came to symbolize enduring fidelity to a covenant between men, or between men and their god(s). Not only was this true in idolatrous societies, but with the Israelites as well (Lev. 2:13; Num. 18:19). Salt represented the immutable, incorruptible nature of the covenant, along with the purity of purpose and integrity of character needed to remain true to it. Just as righteousness preserves the individual (Ps. 25:21), it also preserves nations (Deut. 29:12-13, 22-29). Individuals, such as Lot’s wife, and nations that reject righteousness, may suffer the desolation of becoming a salt waste (Gen. 19; Ps. 107:34). His covenant people today should live in faithful purity, thus preserving their relationship to God (1 Cor. 6:16-18; 1 John 3:1-3) and to one another (Mark 9:49-50; 2 Cor. 13:11).
Four hundred years before the birth of Christ, the Greek physician, Hippocrates, understood the antiseptic qualities of salt. The expression “throw salt on a wound” originated from the practice of using salt to treat infections. It hurt! Yet, it promoted healing if one endured the treatment. Christians should be a moral antiseptic, slowing the spread of spiritual decay. Unfortunately, the world often avoids or rejects spiritual help, because it is so painful. The influence of the pure is often caustic to the world. Thus, Christians should not be surprised when they are rejected or mistreated (Matt. 5: 10-11; 1 Pet. 4:12-16).
Christians are the “salt of the earth,” greatly valued by God and beneficial to the world around them (Matt. 5:13). Just as salt makes one thirsty, Christian behavior should draw others to the source of living water (John 4:10-14) to quench their thirst. We have a responsibility to make the beauty of the Gospel known (Titus 2:10-13). Our speech should be seasoned with salt (Col. 4:6), truth spoken in love (Eph. 4:15). Christians should draw men to God, as ambassadors who bring together opposing forces for peace (2 Cor. 5:17-21).
Salt enhances the flavors of food: “Can something tasteless be eaten without salt?” (Job 6:6). Yet, salt can become useless if it is diluted or polluted. It may be contaminated with other substances. Rain may wash most of the salt away, so that which remains is unfit for use and discarded (Matt. 5:13). Similarly, disciples can become so diluted (Matt. 13:22) or polluted (2 Pet. 2:20-22) that they no longer enhance their world. No longer are they the preserving, purifying, drawing power that arrests the spiritual decay of the world in which they live.
Salt is often taken for granted as common, yet it teaches many spiritual lessons. Hopefully these thoughts leave you thirsting for more of God’s revealed wisdom and seeking to liberally season your children’s minds with such meaningful truths.