Salt and Seasoning

What do minerals have to do with Inner Beauty? A lot, actually!

While I couldn't find the actual word "minerals" anywhere in my Bible, I did find several different, specific kinds of minerals referenced, and often used with instructions on living a beautiful life. If you want to see a list, check here on the Bible Gateway site (excellent resource for finding out what your Bible has to say about any topic).



We will look at several kinds of minerals in the months to come, but today I would like to start by talking a little about the mineral salt. Salt has been used for centuries to clean, disinfect and protect skin. God uses salt to explain how we should live toward those around us.

In the book of Matthew (5:13) we read, "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 by men." What does this mean?

Have you ever tried to each something bland, like maybe a potato or some chicken noodle soup, without any salt? Imagine french fries without ketchup (yes, there's salt in ketchup) or any kind of seasoning at all. Yuck! That's kind of the idea here. If we just live our lives and never let anyone see God living in us, then we are not living for the purpose God created us and our time on this earth isn't worth very much.

The next verses of Matthew explain, "You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." We are to be "salt" and "light" in this world so that through the choices we make, the words we say, the ways we live, our lives continually point others to God.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

As a reminder of how God wants us to be "salt" in this world, enjoy some salts that pamper your skin! Mix equal parts sea salt and olive oil, rub into your skin, then rince away in a relaxing, warm bath.