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.

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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