Holding onto our faith is no easy task these days, sharing about it can be even more challenging. Society is not a friend to God, nor to His people.
The last few weeks I have been aware at the behaviors of people as I am out and about. Impatience, rudeness, and selfishness seem to abound. Noticing this has caused me to take a closer look at my own heart as this is the only heart I can do anything about.
The words of Jesus sit open before me as Jesus calls for our lives to be two things :
“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.You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 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. 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.” (Matthew 5:13-16, NASB)
These are the very words of Jesus Himself as He sat teaching the disciples. The disciples were already beginning to impact those around them, as they shared about Jesus and His teaching. But it is to them, Jesus gives the warning not to lose their saltiness. Jesus did not want for them to do anything which would lessen their influence on the world.
- Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth. The expression, “the salt of the earth” is used to describe a person of great kindness, reliability or honesty (according to the Oxford Dictionary of Idioms). Our lives are to reflect His character.
- Salt is a preservative. In order for salt to have influence, it must come out of the salt shaker. Salt only takes effect upon being rubbed onto something. Are we rubbing shoulders with those around us? What effect are we having? Jesus calls us to live in such a way to combat injustice and moral decay in our world.
- Salt enhances. When mixed with food, it brings out the best of the flavor already present. We are to make others aware of Christ due to being in our company.
We need to interact with those around us each day. It is then, they will benefit from the effects of our saltiness.
We are needed in these days we are living to preserve godly precepts and God’s truth. The light in us will be the quality others are drawn to if we but let it shine from our lives.
Our lives are meant to have a positive impact. May we guard our lives so as not to lose that influence; influence not meant to bring us praise but to bring glory and honor to God.
Salt – the most common of all seasonings. Light – a common necessity.
Through common people, others will be able to see and desire
the uncommon – Jesus.
Lois Flowers offered 2 prayers in her post which I have returned to read several times. Isaiah 33:2 has been a reminder of God – my source of strength when distressed. You can read her post, 2 Quick Prayers to Lift Your Soul This Summer HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Image by congerdesign from Pixabay
Such a thought provoking & great reminder to examine our own hearts before God & shine His Light into the darkness of this world & be the salt that doesn’t lose its saltiness.
Thank you for hosting Joanne.
Blessings, Jennifer
I love that thought of taking a “closer look at my own heart as this is the only heart I can do anything about.” So often I fume when others react in negative ways. But I’m the one responsible for my own heart, and there’s plenty there that needs to become more Christlike.
I pray God will help me to be more “salty” and have an enhancing, godly effect on others.
Joanne, I LOVE this post, especially your closing comments: “Our lives are meant to have a positive impact. May we guard our lives so as not to lose that influence; influence not meant to bring us praise but to bring glory and honor to God. Salt – the most common of all seasonings. Light – a common necessity.Through common people, others will be able to see and desire the uncommon – Jesus.” What a wonderful reminder that we are here to point others to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That is prayer today. Many blessings to you, friend.
The important of rubbing shoulders, that our saltiness may rub off on them – what a Godly perspective of what rubbing shoulders to mean – not for selfish gain — but that God within may rub off on them! What a daily mission statement for outreach!
Yes, salt and light are so common that we take them for granted, but if they’re missing…
We sure notice the lack, and our world is in that actual condition in so many places.
Joanne, a poignant reminder not to lose our saltiness by cultivating kindness. It’s good to pause and examine our own hearts before the Lord, and to see if we are bearing the fruit of the Spirit or the fruit of the flesh.
Such an important reminder, Joanne! Being salt and light to those around us is both a purpose and a privilege that we can share with those around us and, as it usually works, we are given back tenfold what we offer outward. God is so amazing that way! When I was in my 20’s and 30’s, I directed children’s and youth choirs at our church and we would take a musical on tour each year. “Salt and Light” was one of my favorites! It’s message was powerful and it was a gift to me to see the way the kids shared it with others!
Amen Ms. Joanne. It is when we are those things that this world takes note, because we are so different from this world. Then again, are we always? Great points my friend.
I hadn’t really connected the “salt of the earth” expression with Jesus’ words. I like the phrase’s meaning and its connection with who we as believers are called to be.
I loved the thoughts you shared, especially, “Noticing this has caused me to take a closer look at my own heart as this is the only heart I can do anything about,: and also rubbing shoulders with those we come in contact to make our saltiness effective. Seems like some reflecting on our ways must be done!
Joanne, I never really thought about what it means for salt to lose its saltiness, but I suppose losing its effectiveness is another way of putting it? Which can certainly happen to us as the salt of the earth. I appreciate your thoughts about how we can maintain that influence, rather than lose it. And your point that each of us can only do anything about our own hearts. That’s such a freeing thought, and also convicting! (Thank you for sharing my post too. I’m glad the prayers have been helpful for you; they’ve been on repeat in my heart this week as well.)
Being an influencer has become a profession in today’s social media saturated world. You’ve reminded me to be conscientious if I am influencing from a salt & light perspective “to combat injustice and moral decay” or feeding worldly ways such as materialism. Very thought-provoking post!
Joanne,
“Salt – the most common of all seasonings. Light – a common necessity.
Through common people, others will be able to see and desire
the uncommon – Jesus.”
This got me… our uncommon Savior is referred to in (and He described Himself) in these very common words. He used terminology that would be easily understood to all people – even children. And yet, He told parables that were difficult for many to understand.
His invitation is to come to Him and ask for more. We can ask for wisdom and understanding. He is so accessible.
Thank you, Joanne! I missed your post yesterday.
Eyes on Jesus and Shine,
Lisa