By Eric Otchere | www.livingourbible.com 

Introduction: Embracing Your Kingdom Identity

Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:13 are among the most powerful declarations in His Sermon on the Mount: “You are the salt of the earth…”

These words carry more than metaphor—they declare a divine assignment. As followers of Christ, we are not saved to blend in, but to stand out. We are salt—called to preserve godly values, influence our communities, and show the nature of God in a decaying world.

In this blog post, we will explore the deeper meaning of this powerful verse. We will uncover practical truths for daily Christian living. Additionally, we will discover how to walk in our spiritual identity and kingdom purpose.

1. Uniqueness and Dignity: A Distinct Identity

“You are the salt of the earth…” – Matthew 5:13a

Salt is not common. It is valuable, distinct, and transformative. In biblical times, salt was essential for preserving food and enhancing flavor. Jesus likened believers to salt because we are meant to preserve righteousness and influence the world for God’s glory.

The Bible clearly establishes that the earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24). It was created to reflect His heavenly kingdom (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 115:16). Adam lost dominion, but Christ restored it (Genesis 1:26). Now, we have a divine mandate to live as God’s representatives. We must bring the flavor of grace, truth, love, and righteousness to our environments.

When we walk in our Christian identity, we bring light and preservation to our families, schools, workplaces, and nations.

2. Usefulness and Danger: Guarding Our Effectiveness

“…But if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned?” – Matthew 5:13b

The second part of the verse carries a warning. Salt, when it loses its saltiness, becomes useless. Spiritually, this happens when we disconnect from our source—Jesus Christ.

Here are five ways believers lose their saltiness:

1. Sinfulness – Living in disobedience to God’s Word.
2. Worldliness – Prioritizing the pleasures of the world above God’s values.
3. Lukewarmness – Lacking zeal, passion, and spiritual fire.
4. Fruitlessness – Failing to live a life that produces good works.
5. Laziness – Neglecting prayer, Bible study, and spiritual discipline.

If these conditions persist, we risk becoming spiritually ineffective. Hebrews 6:4–6 and 2 Peter 2:20–21 provide sobering examples of those who walked away from truth, like Judas and Demas.

So, how do we stay salty?

By living out the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12):

1. Humility – Blessed are the poor in spirit.
2. Purity – Blessed are the pure in heart.
3. Mercy – Blessed are the merciful.
4. Righteousness – Hunger and thirst for God’s ways.
5. Peacemaking – Blessed are the peacemakers.

A consistent life of surrender, love, and holiness helps us maintain our spiritual edge and purpose.

3. Uselessness and Doom: A Cautionary Tale

“It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” – Matthew 5:13c

Failure to preserve our saltiness leads to tragic outcomes:

1. Devalued – “No longer good for anything”

God no longer works through a rebellious heart. Like King Saul, repeated disobedience can lead to spiritual rejection (1 Samuel 15).

2. Discarded – “Thrown out”

A believer who loses their impact cannot edify the church. Saul lost his effectiveness as a king and leader.

3. Disregarded – “Trampled underfoot”

When Christians live contrary to the Gospel, even the world loses respect for them. Saul died at the hands of the Philistines, stripped of honor.

There is no neutral ground in the kingdom of God. You are either bearing fruit or falling short. We must choose daily to be useful vessels in the hands of our Master.

Conclusion: Walk in Purpose, Preserve with Power

A prince once lived his entire life as a servant because he didn’t know he was royalty. He died poor and forgotten—never realizing who he truly was.

Don’t live below your identity. You are the salt of the earth. You were made to make a difference. God has called you, chosen you, and empowered you.

1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) says:

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

So stand tall in your calling. Shine where you are. Speak truth boldly. Love radically. Preserve godly values in your generation.

Be salt. Be light. Be all that God created you to be.

Did this message bless you? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this article with someone who needs encouragement.

Follow us for more weekly devotionals and biblical insights at http://www.livingourbible.com.