Christian Living

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Remember silica gel? It’s still around, so you’ve probably encountered it more times than you can remember. It’s usually found in little packets, part of the packaging for optical, electronic, and other moisture-sensitive equipment. Like the cotton in pill bottles, it is tossed away and forgotten.

The purpose of these little packets is to absorb moisture from the contents of the package, to keep the contents from corrosion. The gel does not affect the equipment itself, but absorbs what is around it. It doesn’t make the merchandise better, just lets it be itself.

Jesus compared his followers to another kind of chemical: NaCl, commonly known as salt. In Matthew 5:13, he said, “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 by men.” What did he mean?

Salt has many uses. It adds flavor to bland foods, brings out the flavor in others, preserves meats and vegetables, and creates thirst. William Barclay said, “An egg without salt is an insipid thing.” Salt was added to sacrifices to purify them and make them acceptable to God (Leviticus 2:13; Ezekiel 43:24). How is the believer like salt?

Believers preserve society by permeating it and holding back decay. The believer’s life, attitudes, and character influence others to be better people and improve the culture. Just as salt remains unchanged while adding flavor and protection to food, believers should maintain purity while interacting with society.

Silica gel, by contrast, preserves the things in its sphere of influence by absorbing the moisture in the air. It does not permeate, but remains in its little packet, allowing things to remain as they are. The silica changes through absorption and becomes saturated and useless. It can no longer hold back corruption; it is no longer potent.

Salt, as long as it remains unadulterated, keeps its strength and flavor. However, if it picks up impurities it, too, becomes useless and, in Jesus’ words, “is no longer good for anything.”
Salt also brings out the best in whatever food it seasons. Although the taste of salt remains the same, it magnifies the flavor of the dishes it influences. Meat tastes heartier, corn is cornier, and stews become more of a symphony of flavor, with each component playing its individual part with gusto.

The believer ought to bring out the best in each individual he or she encounters. Joseph from Cyprus was nicknamed “Barnabas” or “Son of Encouragement” because of the good he did for others (Acts 4:36). He sold land so he could give to the poor (Acts 4:37). Barnabas defended Saul when the other apostles were reluctant to join with him (Acts 9:27). He was sent to Antioch to encourage the new believers (Acts 11:22–24). He and Paul traveled together, instructed new churches, and carried gifts to the poor in Judea (Acts 11:25–29). This Son of Encouragement brought out the best flavor in those he influenced. He also, no doubt, created a thirst in people for Christ. He remained salty.

The Corinthian church had lost its saltiness. Like silica gel, it absorbed what was around it, and acted “worldly,” like “mere men” (I Corinthians 3:3, 4). The members lost their ability to influence society and create a thirst for God (1 Corinthians 15:34). Paul encouraged them to become salty again by continuing in good deeds and standing firmly in the faith (1 Corinthians 15:58; 16:13).

Salt, by itself, accomplishes little—it must be sprinkled onto food. Jesus and Paul both expected believers to permeate society, not just stay in the salt shaker (John 17:15; 1 Corinthians 5:9, 10). But there is the danger that the salt will act more like silica gel and take on the characteristics of the world in order to please the world or cause no offense, thereby becoming unsalty and ineffective, allowing the world to continue unchanged. Demas forsook Paul because “he loved this world” (2 Timothy 4:10). He retreated back into his little packet.

Salt is good (Mark 9:50), but only if it’s salty. Will you be salt or silica gel?

If you find yourself in a cozy little packet, absorbing the culture around you, and you want to become salt, there is good news from the Great Chemist. Silica gel can be reactivated indefinitely by heating in an oven. If you want to regain your potency in living for the Lord, put yourself in a place where you are exposed to the heat of vibrant believers. Become active in serving the Lord and you will dry out and act like pure salt in no time!

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