"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." Matt 5:13
What an amazingly elegant but simple metaphor for Christian duty. One of the great things about Christ and his method of teaching is that he always used common examples and parables to make deep and relevant points. They were simple enough for a child to understand, but could confound those whose hearts were not humbled and whose vision was not tuned to the spiritual.
In this case, there are truths that we all understand about salt. First, it adds flavor. We as Christians have been both empowered and commanded to enrich the lives of others. We have the responsibility to provide an other-than-worldly view and example. Through our relationship with the Lord, we can share a way of life that accomplishes good and looks to eternity. What has become known as the beatitudes in Matt 5 come to mind.
Salt also preserves. Before there was refrigeration, there was salting to keep meat fresh and consumable. To be sure we are preserved against the fate of those who do not believe. Similarly, by sharing the faith, we can, "...let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins." James 5:20.
Finally, salt was once used as currency because of its surpassing value and necessity. We have the ability to add value to whomsoever we meet. We do so in a variety of ways that include being examples, "doing good to all mankind," "loving others as we love ourselves," being more blessed by giving than receiving and sharing the good news of the gospel of Christ.
Beloved, we must also know as Christians that without these and other qualities, we serve no purpose but to be walked upon in disregard. Let us always endeavor to be the salt of the earth.
In Revival,
Lee
No comments:
Post a Comment