Let’s talk about parables. No, we are not doing complex math. A parable is a teaching tool commonly used by Jesus throughout the Gospels. It’s basically an illustration that teaches an applicable life lesson. Jesus was the greatest story-teller to ever live. He seldom just said things matter-of-fact. Rather, He would tell these relatable stories that helped people understand complex principles. Simply put, a parable is a natural story that tells a spiritual truth.

I really enjoy cooking. A few weeks ago, I was making a mess in the kitchen by cracking eggs, grating cheese and chopping onions. It was a relaxed Saturday morning and I had one objective — make an outstanding omelette. I had time, so I was sure to do everything just right. After patiently stirring the eggy goop on low heat for about five minutes, it had finally formed a near-perfect omelette. But I still had to pull off the most difficult part of the omelette making process. I had to flip the thing out of the pan and onto my plate without compromising all my hard work.

Nervously, I turned the pan over while the yellow egg-cloud began to fall. With a slight plop noise, it landed perfectly on my plate. I did it! I stuck the landing. I proudly placed a piece of parsley on my perfect omelette (even though I was going to scrape it off in seconds). Cup of coffee in hand, I made my way to the dining room table.

I took a bite and dropped my fork. It was… absolutely awful. In all my hyper-focused preparations, I had forgotten one crucial ingredient. I forgot salt. All you need is a small pinch, but I missed it and it ruined the whole breakfast.

READ: MATTHEW 5:13
“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 underfoot.”

This parable is taught during the Sermon on the Mount, which is a massive message that Jesus preached early in his ministry. In this sermon, Jesus lays out the core truths that are designed to both change your life and change the world.

Salt is an influencer of flavor. It brings out the best in every food. You don’t realize it, but it’s what makes most food taste good. From french fries to steaks to pizza to cookies, salt brings out the best of their flavors. Who does Jesus say is the salt of the earth? You! This means that you should bring out the best in people.

Are you a salty person? (No, not like passive-aggressive). Do you bring out the best in the lives of those around you? Everywhere you go, you should see a change in the atmosphere. Your friends should be better because you’re in their lives. Your school should be better because you’re in it. Your teammates’ attitudes should improve because you’re on the team.

Furthermore, salt is under-the-radar. You don’t really notice it in most food. No one eating a steak says, “wow, this salt is amazing.” People compliment the steak. Salt is not meant to overshadow other flavors. This should be true in your life too. Your life shouldn’t be self-centered or overwhelmingly about yourself. Rather, you should give glory to God to show others how awesome He is. Your choices, your actions, and your relationships should all reveal the glory of God.

Jesus calls you to be the salt of the earth, enhancing the lives of those around you while giving all the glory to God. Are you bringing out the best in others, or dragging them down with negativity, gossip, and temptation? Think about it. Who are you glorifying and praising in life – God or yourself?