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. – Matthew 5:13
In this verse, Jesus uses salt as an analogy with a double meaning in mind. Salt strengthens the flavor of food without changing it. Salt is also a purifier. But also, you are the salt, the life enhancer sprinkled liberally throughout the land, and the salt that purifies.
In modern times, “salt of the earth” refers to someone who is honest, direct, and humble. Jesus lived in ancient times, but the modern understanding helps.
In this verse, Jesus calls his disciples to salt the land. Their purpose is to enliven and purify the world, that is, the people and the culture.
That Greek word translated as saltiness more literally means insipid: Not a common word, but it means to lose flavor, bland. If salt is bland, it’s no good for anything. If salt doesn’t purify – doesn’t insist on honesty and humility in the individual person and in the culture – it should be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
The way of the heavens is saltiness: bringing the spice of life and cleansing of the soul.
Remember those “happy attitudes” (Beatitudes)? They are talking about being happy under adversity: Be strong, adding honesty and humility to the world (culture). Jesus didn’t change his theme by talking about salt. And he then continues the theme as he talks about light:
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:14-16
That word translated as “world,” in the original Greek is cosmos, which means system … or culture. So, Jesus teaches us to teach the spice of life and be the example of purity. Don’t let the world go on being dishonest and arrogant, but shine your light to bring truth and tolerance to life.
Be happy in adverse circumstances. Don’t become apathetic but enhance the visibility of falsehoods and truths. And be nice.
This salt is sprinkled liberally across the land.
(Side Note: Paul also taught this. Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2 That is, when we have been purified … or renewed, God’s will becomes clear to us.)