This October, I am very excited to be releasing a piece that is quite relevant to the purpose of Sel Rosé: the SALT necklace.
On either a 14k gold filled or sterling silver chain, the small, glittery moonstone rondelles represent white grains of salt and the identity which Christ gave to his followers in Matthew 5:13a:
“You are the salt of the earth…”
Being the inspiration verse behind the name Sel Rosé, I’ve wondered about those words many times. The idea of being the “light” of the world is easy to comprehend…but why “salt?”
Looking at the functions of salt has helped me gain a clearer picture of how to apply this word to the Christian identity. Two specific functions stand out:
Flavor –
We’ve all experienced the first bite of pasta or rice after forgetting to add the salt, right? Obviously, salt makes food taste better. Christ’s followers are to make life taste better.
Maybe you’ve seen this phrase: Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of God.
Of course, the quickest way to demonstrate God’s goodness to someone is by sharing the good news of the Gospel. But, other ways could include speaking truthful, loving words into an emotional situation, being a calm, joyful presence in the face of unpleasant circumstances, or simply meeting a tangible, physical need.
I would also point out that the flavor of just salt is almost never the end goal when seasoning food. Instead, salt is used to draw out the existing good flavors of other ingredients. Perhaps another way to think of adding flavor to the world is by calling others into discipleship where their gifts and talents can be highlighted and nurtured.
Preservation-
In a 21st century world, we may forget that preservation is a valuable function of salt. If we were to lose all refrigeration tomorrow, there would be a mass grab for it!
Salt prevents foods from spoiling by creating an environment in which unhealthy bacteria dies. Just like unseen bacteria, the sin that fills our world spoils literally everything. But, because we have the words of life, we can counteract the effects of sin everywhere we go.
Another verse in which Christ references salt is Mark 9:50b when he calls his disciples to “…Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each another.” Prior to that, he had been admonishing them to pluck out an eye or chop off an arm if it caused them to sin.
The context in Mark 9 is worth noting because it confirms that Christ’s call to preserve peace cannot be a call to ally ourselves with sin. Despite what our feelings may say, being at peace isn’t always a comfy thing. Sometimes, it means bringing dark things into the light so that the Holy Spirit can restore people to peace with God through Jesus Christ.
My hope is that wearing the SALT necklace will remind you to be salt in your own world. Whether by giving someone a taste of God’s goodness or working to preserve peace, celebrate that this is your identity in Him!
