The Dead Sea – With salinity of over 34%, this is one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world. It is also one of the most popular places for resorts. The salt waters have great healing benefits. The shoreline here is rimmed with salt.

“You are the salt of the earth.  But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless” (Matthew 5:13, NLT).

My hand shook as I picked up the fork from the silverware drawer. What? I can’t lift a fork?  It felt like I was raising a steel skillet instead of a utensil. I had been weak and dizzy for a week. It started off with the worst headache of my life. No pain medicine touched it. Miserable with throbbing, I remained in bed for four days. Nine days previously, I had started a juice fast, so I figured the headache and faintness came from releasing toxins through fasting.

But now I knew I had to call the doctor. He sent me immediately to the emergency room where a blood test revealed low sodium.  All the juicing and fasting had washed away a significant amount of salt in my body. The doctor explained that this condition was serious and could lead to convulsions, hallucinations, even death.

In the ER, I received sodium water intravenously, and the doctor’s parting words were, “You will feel weak and crummy for a few weeks, but go home and enjoy a bag of chips.” A slight smile crossed my face. How ironic, I thought—a doctor prescribing a bag of chips!

Health returned slowly, but recuperating gave me time to ask the Lord why this happened. His reply was sweet, yet direct. “I didn’t cause this, but I’m using it for your good.” My interest piqued; I looked up all verses on becoming salt and light to the world.

Then the Lord said, “You have lost your saltiness.”

I knew it was true. It had been a long time since I witnessed to anyone about salvation and the life-transforming power of Jesus’ blood. I just got busy and felt that because I serve as a missionary and church leader, I am doing my part interceding, traveling, counseling, and teaching.

I repented of my lack saltiness, and this life lesson showed me that it is possible to die not just physically but spiritually if I don’t actively maintain my sodium levels. Scripture declares: “Taste and see that the Lord is good!” My sprinkling of the salt of the Gospel to those around me is what makes people hungry and thirsty to know His love and goodness.

As I grew stronger physically, I grew bolder in my witness. I talked to everyone, just like I did when I first knew His saving power. Sometimes, I kept people waiting in line while I spoke to the cashier at Target.  A deep abiding joy returned to my life as I shared my faith and hope for living.

Prayerfully Consider

What’s your salt level? It’s important. Now I watch my physical and spiritual sodium intake regularly. Death by low salt is miserable, and I refuse to go down that pathway again. I know well that I have freely received salvation and I freely long to pay it forward.