Don't Be Useless Salt

Key Scripture: Matthew 5:13 (NLT) “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.”

What do you like more—salty or sweet?

Sometimes for me, it depends, but I think I lean more toward salt than sweet.

Have you ever had fries with no salt? That first bite... bleh.

Today we’re talking about flavor. Not just food flavor—but the kind of bold, authentic, godly flavor we bring into the world.

We’re looking at what it means to be the salt of the earth—how to stay useful and not blend into the bland.

What Does It Mean to Be Salt?

As we know, salt preserves, enhances, and makes things better. Our words and presence should do the same—by lifting up, not tearing down.

Think about a time someone’s encouragement added flavor to your day. Where can you add flavor in your world today?

Maybe do that by offering a word of encouragement to someone who might really need it.

When cooking, we add salt—but sometimes we add too much acid or spice, and suddenly it feels like the salt is missing altogether.

The thing is, when we blend in too much with culture, we risk becoming flavorless.

Being a Christian isn’t about being loud—it’s about being distinctly loving, truthful, and gracious.

Salt works best when it’s spread out, not clumped in one corner.

Don’t hide your light… or your salt.

Have you ever felt like you were just going through life, and it all just felt a little bland?

Or maybe felt like you were a little too much for others?

I think we can feel both of those. I know I have. It’s about finding a good balance—and the best way to do that is to make sure we’re staying in a growth pattern.

That helps us follow what God wants of us and gives us strength to share it with others.

Let’s be honest—sometimes we “over-salt” things.

It’s easy to overwhelm people with opinions, judgments, or even too many good intentions.

We don’t need to dominate things—we just need to add a little bit here and there.

Start with listening. See if there’s something you actually need to add in, or maybe… you can just be part of the conversation without taking over.

Enhance conversations—don’t overpower them.

Let’s go back to the key verse: Matthew 5:13 (NLT): “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?”

It’s not just a nice thought—being the salt of the earth is a mission.

It’s easy to feel bold at church—but how about in traffic? Or Monday morning meetings?

Faith that’s useful shows up in the everyday grind.

Where is it hardest for you to live your faith out loud?

All through junior high and high school, I tried to hide my Christianity. Everyone knew I went to church and didn’t do certain things, but I still hid it by never talking about it.

I’m sure there were a lot of missed opportunities for me to share God with others.

So if you ever feel challenged to either stand out or blend in when it comes to conversations, decisions, or opportunities—you are not alone.

Do you know what keeps you from standing out for your faith? And why is that?

Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth—to be active and to get involved by encouraging, mentoring, helping, loving, and praying for others.

He wants us to say yes to something and get out there and do something.

Salt doesn’t do anything unless it’s shaken or sprinkled over something.

Of course, as we go and do, we don’t need to be proud, abrasive, or bitter about it.

Jesus was bold, and kids loved Him. He was truthful and full of grace. And that’s what He wants from us as we go out and be His hands and feet.

We’ve been shaking things up today—talking about what it means to live with flavor, courage, and usefulness in a world that needs light and truth.

If you’re feeling a little bland lately, you’re not alone. God specializes in refreshing our purpose.

Life seasons can dull our shine—there’s burnout, disappointment, and routine that wear on us.

But as you move forward with God, remember: He can restore your weary soul and continue to use you.

Make space for God and let Him use you to make real impact.

Has there been anyone in your life who made an impact on you simply by living out their faith well?

We can also be that person for someone else—through your faith, your kindness, and your loving honesty. Let's other's see your faith lived out.

Salt doesn’t just go away—it lasts. What do you want people to say when they reflect on your life and faith?

We should want to others to see Christ through us in every aspect of our lives.

We should be bold in living that out through conversations, in worship and through prayer.

God calls us to pray bold prayers—so let’s write out a sentence or two asking God to help us be the salt of the earth, as He calls us to be.

Ask Him to guide you and use you. He will—because you are willing.

Y’all, don’t be useless salt. Be bold, be kind, be real—and let your life add flavor to a world that needs a whole lot more of Jesus.

Go be used by God. This is your permission to be “salty” from time to time… of course, in a good, godly way.

Laugh more. Worry less. And be salty—like the sea.