Salt Of The Earth
As a man of faith, I am constantly inspired by the teachings of Christ. If you examine his words, you will see he often used parables and relevant examples to illustrate his teachings to increase understanding of the concepts he was speaking on.
One of the most well-known of these examples is how he described the expectations of his disciples. In the book of Matthew, he describes them as the ‘Salt of the Earth’. Interesting use of words you might think, but here is why the label was so important at that time.
During this time, salt was an incredibly valuable mineral. You could not easily find it in a market or grocery store like we do today. Depending on one’s location, salt was often hard to come by. In some cases, salt was used as payment: as a form of salary or a trading commodity. Salt was also considered highly essential in adding flavor to foods and preserving items to increase longevity. The flavor of salt was (and often still considered today) highly distinctive. While it is different than any other mineral in flavor, it is used in countless cultures throughout the world.
Christ’s expectation of his disciples, and all believers for that matter, is that they be like salt; valuable, essential, and distinctive. As a believer I carry the burden to bring value to the lives of others. To play an essential role in bringing joy and hope to others, especially in a world filled with confusion and chaos. And lastly, to be confidently distinctive in the community…to stand out as a person that promotes and holds strongly on to values, standards, and beliefs that often contradict much of what is celebrated in society today.
Ultimately, it is my prayer that you are encouraged and curious to explore more of Christ’s teachings, however I imagine many of you are simply wondering (if you’re still reading at this point) what does any of this have to with leadership? I will respond with this; the same type of burden placed on believers to be the Salt of the Earth, should challenge those in modern leadership positions to take seriously their responsibilities.
Being like the Salt of the Earth means you are a difference maker, promoter of hope, joy, and optimism, and most importantly an example; an example of how one should navigate life and handle trials and tribulations.
Being like Salt is also being someone with clear values & standards and is willing to uphold them in the face of ridicule, naysaying, and opposition.
As a leader, can you confidently say you lead with a Salt of the Earth level of personal responsibility?
We are currently experiencing challenges such racial tensions, political conflict, economic uncertainties, mass violence, all while recovering from a global pandemic. It is common in times like these for us to want to throw our hands in the air and simply give up, admit defeat, and retreat. As leaders this is simply not an option.
Although we are experiencing the same concerns as those we lead, we are still charged with creating an environment that promotes safety, optimism, and the way forward. At times it seems unfair and troublesome because we need to express our own thoughts and worries. I will offer this time-tested advice. Find a confidant. Surround yourself with positive, supportive peers. Vent! Let it out! Get it off your chest! But only laterally and upward. The moment you begin to debate, argue, and quite frankly complain downward, you run the risk of fracturing an environment designed to uplift, and promote hope. You run the risk of no longer creating value to others and losing your distinctiveness.
In his teachings, Christ warns of the possibilities of one losing their flavor, their saltiness. Salt can lose its savor when the grains are separated from another. He commands followers to gather, to encourage and support each other. Modern leaders should do the same. Leaders should surround themselves with others who build each other up, provide counsel, and promote the organization’s values and standards.
Salt can also lose its effectiveness when combined with too many other substances or chemicals. Much like leaders can lose their effectiveness when their priorities are confused, and their focus is on negative and self-defeating behaviors.
Being a follower of Christ has rewards beyond measure, but keep in mind Jesus informed his believers that life will not necessarily be one that is straightforward and easy. In fact, the scriptures tell us that maintaining certain values and standards will bring disdain and ridicule from many. I will say this, there is joy in knowing that you are serving in a mission far greater than oneself.
I imagine that today’s leaders can identify with this concept. While leaders will always face opposition, questions, and challenges, knowing they are serving something-- an organization, a mission, or a philosophy, brings awesome responsibilities and its own sets of rewards.
To be more effective, to be more productive, and to be more respected, I encourage you to stand by your convictions, your values, and make a difference in the lives of others by adopting a Salt of the Earth mindset.
