THE SALT OF THE EARTH

Luke 15:34 tells us: "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  He who has ears to hear, let him hear."


From a study of Luke 15: "Following Christ does not mean a trouble-free life. 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 later to turn back.   Also, look at salt.  Salt can lose its flavor.  When it gets wet and then dried, 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 love 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."


Not only are we to count the cost, but we are to ask ourselves, "Am I salty?"


What did Jesus do that we may be fearful of doing?  Perhaps talking to those who are considered cast-off, or troublesome?  Touching those bodily who need healing?  Being a friend to someone who is antagonistic? Speaking out to those who are considered powerful whom you believe to be wrong? Telling others boldly that they are loved by God? Associating with those who feel lost, unloved, and  despairing? To all or each of these we may be fearful to accept the cost of being salt for another, but we must not give in to fear! Take the hand of Christ.  Use His power.  Take the hand of another and work together. Pray first, pray secondly, and forever. And don't be afraid to move.  Just do it!


Even at my age and my years of practice of  being a Christian, I am still not salty enough to change this world.  In this hour of my life, I see more and more need to sprinkle that salt!  This  world needs salt, yours and mine. God needs us to use our saltiness!


Lord Jesus, Lend us your hands, your feet, your heart that we might become the salt of the earth.  Amen. 


Jo INMN