13 "You are the * 5:13 In ancient times salt was often used as a preservative. Similarly, followers of Christ are to preserve both the gospel message and Christian values in the secular world. salt of the earth; but if the salt has * 5:13 The salt from the Dead Sea contains impurities that affect its qualities as a seasoning and as a preservative. lost its taste (purpose), how can it be made salty? It is no longer good for anything, but to be thrown out and walked on by people [when the walkways are wet and slippery].