Matthew 5:13 (NIV) "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."
Recently, I experienced hydration desperation. I was in the middle of my strenuous kick boxing regime when I stumbled to the kitchen to hydrate my body. I grabbed my cup, turned on the water and guzzled it down.
Portions dripped off my chin as I inhaled. I could hardly swallow as quickly as I wanted. After two large gulps my tastebuds screamed and my cheeks exploded like a water balloon. "Uggh!" What is going on here? Who's messin' with my water?
In my frantic attempt to hydrate myself, I ingested large doses of salt water. Apparently our water softener did not quite complete its recharge cycle. I just happened to be the lucky recipient of its excess.
I immediately knew there was salt in my water. I quickly recognized its distinct flavor. Even though I didn't initially know why it was in our water, I had no doubt what I was choking on.
Likewise, the world should immediately recognize that they are in the presence of God's salt. Jesus tells his disciples, "You are the salt of the earth." Salt serves a purpose and so should we. Like salt, we should strive to preserve what is good. We should be distinguishable and leave a noticeable impact on every thing and every one we come in contact with. What good is salt if it never leaves the shaker? Our lives should season the world with God's truth and love.
In the twelve prior verses Jesus delivers specific examples of what a Christ follower should look like. Their life should match the qualities of the beatitudes mentioned in Matthew 5:1-12. Having described these, Jesus then affirms in verse 13 that a Christian's life which does not match up is as useless as unsalty salt.
Our saltiness is witnessed through our everyday lives. If we claim Christ, our life should parallel the attitudes and actions of Jesus. The character qualities mentioned in the beatitudes become our acid test for being the salt of the earth. Let there be no doubt what others taste in you.
Here are a few grains of salt:
- Comfort those who are hurting.
- Associate/Develop relationships with those who don't know Jesus.
- View others through the eyes of Christ.
- Maintain a humble and teachable heart.
- Fervently pursue righteousness.
- Stand firm in your faith at your work, home, gym, salon etc.
- Guard your tongue.
- Extend grace and mercy to those who hurt you.
- Bring peace where turmoil exists.
- Willingly accept persecution for the sake of Christ.
- Rejoice in the Lord always.
Again, what good is salt if it doesn't leave the salt shaker? Please pass the salt.
Heart Work:
Read through the beatitudes (Matt. 5:1-12) and evaluate the qualities that Jesus desires for those who know Him.
Write one specific way for each beatitude that you can put into practice. Then, pray through your list and acknowledge to God your yearning to exemplify salt for Him.
For example, vs. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Lord, even though __________ really hurt me and I want to retaliate, please help me, by the power of your Spirit to extend mercy to them as you have done to me. Help me respond by forgiving them in order to be your salt.
Write down three people God has brought into your life that need the salt of Jesus sprinkled on them. Get to shakin'!
Heart Exam:
How well do you represent salt?
What taste do you leave in other people's mouths?
When have you taken Jesus' teachings with a grain of salt?
Heart Changing Word:
Matthew 5:13 (The Message) " '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.' "
Acts 1:8 (NIV) "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
1 John 2:6 "Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."
Copyright 2011 by Hester Christensen. All rights reserved.
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