Mine is a family with strong, varied opinions, yet we have found one topic on which we unanimously agree — there is no substitute for salt.

Mention the word — salt — and my children will recount with great detail the changes in their grandmother’s cooking when she eliminated it from her dishes. (Just don’t mention Epsom salt. You will hear only groans from my children when I begin to list its benefits.)

Although she tried many other spices, none passed my family’s taste test.

They will not notice the lack of any other seasoning, but can detect the absence of salt. Beyond its ability to enhance the flavor of foods with which it comes in contact, salt purifies, heals, preserves and creates thirst.

The Salt Institute claims there are over 14,000 uses for the product. Although I will never read that list, I’m sure “crawfish boils” is near the top.

In Matthew 5:13, Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.” So what does that mean?

Perhaps we should season our world by affecting people positively and bringing out the best in everyone and every situation.

Maybe it means we should preserve Godly values by countering the moral decay in society.

It might also mean we should do our part to heal the hurting and wounded we encounter with the love of God. I believe if we do those things, the salt in us will also cause others to thirst for the Living Water. You are the salt of the earth, and there is no substitute for salt.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.