Inspirational Message
Inspirational Message: Can We Add Saltiness to Our Christian Witness?
By Gladys McElmore
Jesus Christ is the salt of heaven sent to a sinful world to share His love, righteousness, life and salvation. What responses can faithful Christians expect as we reach out to be the salt needed by people in this world? What is the use of salt in our lives? Foods can be extremely distasteful to eat without some salt. In Matthew 5, we are told that we are the salt of the earth, but if the flavor is lost in the seasoning we need may be affected! Suddenly it may be good for nothing and will be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. The parable of salt explains God’s commitment, love and faithfulness to His people. As we are called salt of the earth, we are thought of as objects of grace or agents to help save others who need Christ in their lives. How do other people recognize our saltiness? Are we recognized by our titles, positions or achievements or for being like Jesus Christ? When we are salted by Jesus Christ, we will share His love as we witness in thoughts, words and deeds done in His name. Jesus Christ can always season our lives in the right way.
According to John 15 Jesus loves us and commands that we love one another. He has chosen us to bring forth fruit and we disregard hatred and persecution just as He did. Sometimes because Jesus Christ and His saltiness are unknown in the world, His seasoning of love is not recognized by everybody. As He salts our lives with His life, His mission can become our mission.
How can we create more “gospel salt” in our lives? We strive with ever increasing faith in God, through Jesus Christ, to receive salt that will not lose the flavor. The Sermon on the Mount, which was addressed primarily to the disciples, may help us also to move in a different direction. Without being harshly persuasive, Jesus was gentle, yet specific, with an excellent summary of values that are heaven bound guidelines. Outright attacks may stir up human actions in ways not conducive to edifying the body of Christ. We speak well of the character of God through His Son Jesus Christ by faithfully living out His principles in our lives with words and deeds. We also glorify the Father and Son by worship that sees friendship rather than as harsh tyrannical rulers. Christians add salt to the earth by reflecting the life of Jesus as pure seasoning in answers we all need every day as we continue to see Him as the ruler of the world. Our messages to others can speak not only to the desirability, but also of new opportunities to be salted by God’s anointing on our efforts to serve Him even with severe limitations. God respects our freedom and there are many known and unknown consequences for our actions. Our choices (without salt of Christianity) can lead to destruction, pains, penalties, sorrows and disappointments with possible warnings not to go on. With God’s salt and love, it may be difficult for the heedless and headstrong to destroy lives; especially their own. On the contrary a narrow road can be rewarding when we shun decisions that bring suffering, prevent happiness and fulfillment from God through Christ. How can we choose the right pathways? Most helpful lessons can be learned from Colossians 3:1-10 which tell us in certain terms how we can be distracted from God’s plans. The devil’s lure to quick tricks to happiness and worldly advancements do not include the terrible pitfalls that will eventually ruin us in numerous ways! For what looks good may leave a bitter salt-less taste later in life. Christ offers genuine happiness and abundant life that not only leaves us with a good taste, but also leads to eternal life. Spiritually, we can stand on a narrow unpopular flavorful path with Christ or walk the well-trodden roads of salt-free activities with Satan. How has Christ salted our lives with His life? In what specific ways can we be the “salt of the earth” to others? Salt must be mingled with the idea that it is easy to understand how Christ brought the flavor of His love and the zest of His life to us!
As He salts our lives with His Life, we become His faithful representatives in this world! God has called us to share with unbelievers the remarkable insight of the knowledge of His character and His distinctive messages. We can contemplate the best answers that will draw others to Christ – not away from Him when thought provoking questions are asked. As workers for Christ we sometimes must not count the cost of discipleship as being too high. Pray never to become religiously arrogant and selfish, nor to allow worldly ways to influence us. Let us continue to take seriously the commission to be the salt of the earth in a Christ-like missionary motive which balances humility and a sense of service with confidence in heavenly values!
Mrs. Gladys R. McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.
