I’m thinking that my new year’s resolution this year is to work harder on following the ways of Jesus. I know this is what we are always supposed to do as Christians but sometimes I wonder if we don’t have these ideas in our heads about what that is supposed to be and maybe those ideas need to be re-evaluated and refreshed, just like His mercies to us are refreshed every day. So this year I’m going to attempt to look at “Jesus” words try to figure out what they really mean and try to apply them to my life.
The first one I’m looking at is Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how [e]can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
What does it mean to be the “salt of the earth” How do I “Let my light shine”
A friend on Facebook responded to this post as follows:
Salt a preservative yes and also a seasoning. I was thinking tonight as I sprinkled some salt on my dinner that I put salt on the majority of everything I eat. It enhances the flavor of most things. But I can ruin a wonderful dish with too much salt. Some things take a lot of salt like if you’re making salt pork to preserve or sauerkraut but usually just a little bit does the trick. So I’m thinking that the lesson in being the salt of the earth is to ask for wisdom and to learn how much is enough. Does my neighbor just need a pinch of salt maybe a smile or a God Bless you or does my neighbor need some preservative in the form of a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, a hand to hold, a prayer or a blessing. I think the salt that has become tasteless is the person who is so self centered, or angry or distracted that they can not be salt to anyone around because they are so caught up in their own stuff that they don’t see that others around them need a little salt.
Salt makes you thirsty, when you eat a salty snack you want something to quench your thirst. Jesus said in Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” When we have salt in us (which is the presence of the Holy Spirit) that should make us thirst for righteousness. When we, as the salt, apply that salt to those around us, it should make them thirst for righteousness.
3 comments
Most who know me probably would say I’m pretty “salty” Sorry, I know that’s not where your going with the comment, but I could not help myself! 🙂
Actually I guess we are all salty – just how much and what kind is the question eh!! thanks for the comment 🙂 At any rate – I really do hope to generate some good conversation.
I know Anita. I can’t imagine your blog will go unnoticed. The question is if folks will feel free to express themselfs without becoming defensive, mean or arrogant. As you say, salt adds flavor. Flavor isssomething we all enjoy. So often Christians are just not perceived as being people you can enjoy yourself with. They/we are perceived as jugemental, intolerant, and boring. Thats what I experience when I visit a church. Mostly boring, but also a significant amount of judgement. Hopefully, we can all add some flavor (joy) not onlt to our own life, but to those we encounter every day. God created a world full of flavor to enjoy!