September 6, 2012 ~ Salt and Light for God

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16

Thoughts~

I love the way Jesus spoke in such beautiful, visual terms. I would have loved following Him around the countryside, listening to His words of wisdom, meeting other people who were accepting Him as the Son of God, eating roasted fish that were plentiful along with the delicious baskets of bread. Jesus would have captured my heart and I would have followed Him anywhere. 

Most of you will remember this song adapted for Sister act: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPpd-6X3tEo I loved the movie and loved that song. I will indeed follow Him today and He has captured my heart every day for 44 years. (Well, minus the ten years I ignored Him).

As the salt of the earth, we are here to stop the world’s corruption of God’s word, to preserve the Truth. To walk in the way of His word faithfully. Did you know that the main use of salt was not as a flavoring but as a preservative? 

I also believe we are to season others lives with all the good things that God gives us. I think of the fruits of the spirit because when I eat certain fruits, being from Southern born parents, we salt them to bring out the sweetness. By the grace and power of the Holy Spirit I am able to demonstrate the fruits and season each with salt, bringing out the flavor of each trait. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, [and] self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23 

So instead of being patient, I will add a sprinkle of salt and call on the Spirit to give me unimaginable patience. And instead of being kind, again, I will ask for God's help to take kindness to the next level. I need these fruits because my inner voice gets snarky sometimes which isn't pleasing to the Lord or to myself. Grrrrrrrr. I need the salt!

As lights of the world, the first good deed we can act out is to guide others to knowing Jesus as their own Savior.  We are here to shine for the Lord and others will glorify our Father. 

I had three women do something so amazing for me once and I glorify God for His use of them in my life . . . they very patiently shared Jesus with me, sprinkling their words with salt and with light shining from their hearts.Thanks Jan, Mary and Cassie. You three are part of the chain that made me the woman I am today.

Action~

Think about these three questions.

1. How are you preserving God’s word in the world?
2. How are you adding seasoning to others lives?
3. What good deeds have you done recently that glorify the Lord?

Pray~

Thank You Lord for the salt that seasons others lives. And for the light You have set in my heart to shine for You. May I never forget to glorify You.

Trusting in the Lord,

Becky

***Thanks to Deborah Winger for sharing the first image with me. J The pear image is from Pinterest and the Salt is from Google Images. 

I think I will use the pear idea and paint some fruit like that in my kitchen!