Texas Roadhouse has been my favorite restaurant for over a decade. I’ve tried to switch it up, but to this day, it’s still my top pick. Give me that crispy catfish filet, a fully loaded sweet potato (complete with melted marshmallows, brown sugar, and honey), and some steamed veggies soft enough to melt, not chew, and I’m good to go. I know most folk show up for the steak, but I go for what stirs my soul. Every now and then, I’ll try Texas Roadhouse in another state—but it just don’t hit the same. Even with their added seasoning, its flavor is flat, and I have to add more “salt” to really bring it out. And that’s the thing: you can’t revive lost salt with what’s already there. You have to bring more from the source.
“Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”
~Mark 9:50
True disciples preserve peace by maintaining godly character.
In the first article on this text, we discussed how authentic discipleship begins with inner seasoning. It’s safe to say that we can glean two things from this command. First, we ought to have salt within; second, we ought to have peace without. While one portion is our responsibility, one is God’s. Mark 9:50 is not just an instruction; it’s intervention. It’s about prevention before corrosion sets in: we must protect our time with God, where love flows into us, strength is restored, and peace becomes our overflow. This is about more than flavor; it’s durability, character, and the kind of witness that withstands decay.
Let’s be clear, this is a warning of irreversible loss, and it is profound in every way. If loss of saltiness is irreversible, we’d do well to guard our flavor. Let me give you an example: a parent trying to raise a child. They’re in church and exercising faith one way on Sunday, but the rest of the week, they look completely different from the way they did that one day. If we perform on Sunday but disappear the rest of the week, our kids won’t just question us, they’ll tune us out. The core task of the believer is to prevent the loss of their influence in the world around them for the sake of the kingdom of God. Our speech should always be gracious and seasoned with salt; every lifestyle choice either pulls someone toward Christ or pushes them further away.
The bottom line is that once saltiness/influence is lost, we’re useless. Jesus says the salt that loses its core properties is only good to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Nobody wants to be spiritual residue—tossed out, stepped on, and forgotten, caught in spiritual apathy in a world that’s already compromising at every corner through social media rants, church splits, and division amongst believers. Salt loses its power not by attack, but by internal rot. The goal should be to live in such a way that we’re fit for the master’s use. In light of this, we live in a state of proactive maintenance, constantly examining the inward salt to ensure the outward command for peace is fulfilled. In our culture today, arguments can erupt over everything from politics to preferences. Thermometers react. Thermostats regulate. Which one are the believers to be?
In the context of this passage, we see disciples arguing along the way about “who’s going to go down in history as the G.O.A.T”. Jesus is saying that everyone should be willing to humbly submit to one another, not trying to be lord over or be better than everyone else. This contradicts kingdom principles. What Jesus is after is a life wholeheartedly committed to manifesting peace and humility rather than conflict, rivalry, and self-exaltation. We’re called to take the last seat, not center stage, to make peace, not stir the pot when social media turns into a battleground. Jesus paid a huge price to make this gift of peace possible, and we must steward it well, let’s not cheapen it with pride.
Time of Reflection:
** Salt doesn’t need to be seen to be felt.
** Peacemaking is how we keep our saltiness.
Heart-Probe moment:
** What am I doing daily and intentionally to preserve peace in my family, church, or community?
References:
Mark 9:50
Matthew 5:13
Rom 12:18
Col 4:6
Heb 12:14
Closing prayer:
Jesus, teach me how to walk in peace and preserve unity, no matter where I am. Keep my heart salty with grace and truth. Don’t let my offenses and pride rob me of usefulness in Your kingdom. Let my life be marked by peacemaking, humility, and the covenant of love. Amen
