Salt of the Earth: The Christian's Calling to Purify Society

Christ's definition of the Christian life is sublime: His disciples are the halas (salt) of the earth. The Church exists for the world's sake more than for its own comfort. This doctrine of election, as our Saviour understood it, means God's people are chosen not for their own ease, but to display the beauty of the Divine life and raise others to the same level.

Quality, not quantity, accomplishes God's work in the world. History itself is the life-story of the chosen few. Salt performs three essential functions: it nourishes spiritually, preserves from corruption, and possesses a sharp, biting power—the Christian often pains men to heal them.

Salt works silently, inconspicuously, gradually, through close contact. The disciples' task involves preventing corruption in literature, public amusements, parochial and political life, and commercial dealings. Yet Christ's words carried a grave warning: salt can lose its savour through obliteration—when the distinction between the salt and the mass into which it is inserted disappears entirely.

The solemn question remains: Do your ideals of happiness differ from the irreligious world's? Without distinct moral character, the Christian becomes useless—fit only to be cast out and trampled. Adonai calls His followers to maintain the moral and spiritual standard of the elect few, preserving society's very soul through uncompromising faithfulness.