A Pastors Perspective, Are You Salt
Southaven,Ms
Are you Salt?
Jesus called those of us who are believers the “salt of the earth”. Yet He also warned that we could become of little value….
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.”
Matthew 5:13
Perhaps we should examine the characteristics of Salt and see how our Christian lives might compare to the mineral Jesus used in His analogy.
For one, Salt has no life within it’s self; no life of it’s own. It can’t reproduce. It’s only purpose in existing is to benefit others. Does that describe you? Do you live only to serve others? I must admit I love to serve in as many ways as I can, but I’m guilty of living just for me sometimes!
Salt is a preservative. It can cure meat and preserve it, or ‘save’ it. Are you preserving those you love? Are you saving them from the possible decay and destruction awaiting a life not surrendered to the Lord?
Another attribute of Salt is that it can make one thirsty. Does your being around others make them thirsty for more of God?
Salt can also bring healing to a wound, although it can be very painful when applied. Sometimes our words may bring hurt to an old wound, but if they’re meant for instruction or admonishment, then the end result can be a life healed and restored to the Lord.
Remember, He said WE are the salt! We are His hands and voice to a lost and dying world, so we must be ready to bring healing to those hurting, and to help restore people to the Father!
Of course, Salt’s best attribute is that it seasons. It brings out the best flavors when applied to meats, veggies, corn on the cob, even french fries (not to mention watermelon and apples for me!).
Are you seasoning others? Do you bring out the best in them? Does your life compliment and highlight those whom you’re around? Does your zeal for the Lord result in their being a better person as they draw closer to Him?
Does your life bring maturity and perfection to others as Salt does when curing meats? Do you add flavor and blessing when you walk in to a group setting? Paul said this….
“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
In looking at our own Christian life, we must continually guard against becoming of little use as Jesus warned!
We all must examine ourselves from time to time, and check the strength and the ‘seasoning power’ of our salt levels!!
In the words of PT Barnum, when you’re around people “leave them wanting more!”
Make them thirsty! Live for their needs! Help them to mature in the Lord! Add flavor to their life! Bring grace to their lives!
Never allow yourself to be of little use to others and risk being thrown out!
And that’s the way I see it!
Pastor Mike
