While in a transition period in my career, I chose to transfer from my position in the main operating room to a new aspect of surgical nursing. I was approached by the administrator of the Same Day Surgery Unit. She was inquiring if I knew of a nurse who would like to work in her department, to which I replied, "What about me?" The rest is history. On the day when I left for the outpatient assignment, one of the surgeons came up to me and said, "The salt has left the operating room."

As I pondered this statement, I began looking to Scripture to verify its meaning. Salt is mainly used for seasoning and as a preservative. The Hebrew people were well aware of the importance of salt to health. Salt had a significant place in Hebrew worship. It was included in the grain offering, in the burnt offering, and in the incense used in the Temple. Covenants were ratified with salt and newborn babies were rubbed with salt in the belief that this action promoted good health.

Jesus described His disciples as the salt of the earth, urging them to imitate the usefulness of salt:

Matthew 5:13 – Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. (MSG)

The apostle Paul urged his followers, "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." (Colossians 4:6 NASB) We had a chorus that we sang in Sunday School which is so explanatory:

What you are speaks so loud that the world can't believe what you say.
They're looking at your walk, not listening to your talk.
They're judging by your actions every day.
Don't believe you'll deceive by claiming what you've never known.
They'll accept what they see and know you to be.
They'll judge from your life alone.

Our actions, not our words, tell our story to the world that watches us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the ministry of our Saviour rendered during His lifetime on this earth. Allow our speech to reflect His in all situations. Keep our conversations seasoned with salt, always full of grace. Together, may our voices be in agreement with Christ, giving honour to You. In Jesus' precious name, we pray. Amen.

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