You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its taste, with what will it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, but will be thrown out and trampled underfoot by people.
In this passage Jesus compares his followers to salt, giving them an important role and responsibility in this world. Through this image Jesus shows how important the role of believers is. Salt, by its nature, not only gives flavor to food, but also preserves it by preventing decay. The followers of Jesus are called, in their lives and works, to be influential, bringing “flavor” to this world. They must be defenders of righteousness and morality, helping to uphold God’s will and his moral laws. Believers are to be the force that prevents society’s moral decline, influencing their surroundings and making life purer and more just. Salt also symbolizes purity, which means that believers must live a pure and moral life, being an example for others. Their deeds and conduct must express God’s will, and they must always strive to sow purity around them. But if believers lose the strength of their faith and cease to have the influences mentioned above, then Jesus warns that they become “tasteless salt,” which is not only useless, but is simply thrown out and trampled underfoot. Thus, Jesus calls his followers to be people who have a moral influence on the world, who by their faith, deeds, and life will preserve the healthy course of society, preventing decline and injustice.