The word salary comes from ‘salt money’ , the allowance given to Roman soldiers to buy salt. People demand personal loyalty if they have eaten their salt. Someone who works hard and earns a salary is regarded as ‘worth his salt.’ Abijah defended his kingship as a descendant of King David, with whom God had made a covenant of salt. (II Chronicles 13:5) In the Old Testament salt was added to all grain offerings. (Leviticus 2:13) Salt implies at least five characteristics.
Purity: Salt is in the purest form. It consists of two elements: Sodium and Chloride. Both elements are bonded in an ionic bond. Oxygen (O2) and water (H2O) are also considered pure. A follower of the Lord Jesus Christ is expected to pursue holiness. They ought to be marked as: “Holiness unto the Lord.”
Palatable: Salt adds taste to food. Is tasteless food eaten without salt? (Job 6:6) There is a Tamil proverb that states: Food without salt would be thrown out into a garbage bin. Christians add taste to life in the community by demonstrating love, offering hope, and pursuing peace.
Preservation: Salt is used as a preservative of food items including meat. The pickles are seasoned with salt. The food could be kept fresh for a longer period. Christian presence preserves a community, an institution, a culture, or a nation from moral decay and destruction.
Pal: Serving bread and salt is common in Slavic, Nordic, Baltic, Balkan, and Middle Eastern countries. When they share bread and salt, they are pals or friends who are sworn to protect one another – even if they were enemies before. Lord Jesus Christ was called: ‘Friend of sinners.’ Disciples are called to be friends of the poor, marginalized, oppressed, exploited, exiled, sick, suffering, and depressed.
Price: In ancient times, salt was an expensive food item. Adding salt means giving what is of high value to the sacrifices. Giving the Lord the best of all aspects of life is essential, including the best of youthful years, the best time every day, knowledge, talents, gifts, abilities, and all other resources.
Does my life exemplify the covenant of salt?