Key Scripture: Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.”

Empty shelves, long lines, or tapping refresh for the 1000th time in search of disinfectant wipes described early pandemic life. Essential to our combat strategy in the war on the virus were disinfectant wipes. Every surface needed to be disinfected with a germ-killing solution in the mission of war on germs.

As Kingdom citizens, we too have a mission. It’s not on germs but is in the Kingdom of Heaven. Contrasting a germ-killing solution, Jesus’ disciples have a purifying effect in the midst of death and decay.

As salt of the earth, Kingdom citizens are to act as purifying agents for earthly citizens.

Salt prevents spoilage, creates an inhospitable environment for germs, and promotes desirable microorganisms growth. While disinfectant kills and destroys, salt purifies and preserves. Disciples are to live in such a way that purifies and preserves.

In Matthew 5, Jesus described the characteristics of authentic godliness. In the midst of decay and death, Christians have a preserving effect as salt. Counter-culture or opposite of the norm, Christ followers bring preserving qualities of salt to the kitchen of life. A life of meekness, mercy, purity of heart, and peacemaking models Christ-likeness and demonstrates life in the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt 5:3-11). Instead of the desire to get ahead in this world, those in the Kingdom of God “hunger and thirst for righteousness” of God (Matt 5:6). The life mission of those in the Kingdom of God contrasts with the mission of those in the world.

A purifying influence comes not only from what we do but also through proclamation. We must “proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). As we speak the gospel and live a life of righteousness, we influence the world as purifying agents towards earthly citizens.