HOW SALTY AM I?

In the book of Luke, chapter 15, there is a suggestion that a king that didn't count the cost of  war would likely become defeated. And also, in verse 34, we find a suggestion about salt.  Strange?  Not really strange, but fitting, in the explanation of what makes a Christian. Here's the quote:  "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?" It sounds to me that we, Christians, must have and not lose the same quality that makes salt salty. What would that quality be? It must be an important factor because verse 34 ends with this warning, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."


The study helps us understand: "Following Christ, we must carefully count the cost of  becoming
Christ's disciples so that we will know what we are getting into and won't be tempted to turn back.,
Also, look at salt.  Salt can loses its flavor When it gets wet and then dries nothing is left but a tasteless residue.  Many Christians blend into the world to avoid the cost of standing up for Christ.  But Jesus says if Christians lose their distinctive saltiness, they become worthless. Just as salt flavors and preserves food, we are to preserve the good in the world, help keep it from spoiling, and bring new flavor to life, and other lives.  This requires careful planning, willing sacrifice and unswerving commitment to Christ's kingdom.  Being "salty" is not easy, but if a Christian fails in this function, he or she fails to represent Christ in the world."


Wow!  Not only must we "count the cost", But we need to ask ourselves, "Am I salty? And am I still salty?"


What was Jesus really like?  What did Jesus do that we may be fearful of doing, and therefore, find ourselves coming up short?  Let's make a list:  Jesus talked to those who were cast-off  people.  Jesus touched those who needed healing.  Jesus spoke out to those who are considered powerful.  Jesus told all people he met that they are loved by God.  Jesus associated with "sinners", lost people, the unloved, and the despairing.  And I am sure Jesus did many other good things that have never been recorded.


Can you and I do these things? Yes we can, but only with the help of God.  This I know: consider this blog:   I would not have any idea about what to write without the help of God!  From the time I pick up my notebook and my Bible, I still have no idea.  God tells me what to read by my following the suggestions in my journal, but there are three different passages to consider! Until I finish all three, usually, I have not chosen what to write about. But, then it just pops up before me!  This is what I need to pass along to those who read these words.  Whatever the reason...I do not know....but it is what God chooses for me today.  And what He choses for you, too.


So let us Count the Cost!  Let us be full of flavor, Salty, and delicious!


To all the other salt lovers out there....


God loves you!


Jo in MN