Salty!

Among the ways in which Jesus described those who were (or would be) His disciples is a reference to their being “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”. ( Matthew 5:13-14) Light is something that works very visibly. It is easy to see (or rather be unable to see) when it is absent. Salt on the other hand impacts in a more subtle manner. Though its presence or absence in food may be detected by taste, it is not so easily known by sight. It is through coming INTO CONTACT with it in some way that salt’s benefit is found and appreciated.

We might think of the seasoning quality and preserving capability of salt. However one of its powerful aspects is its ability TO CREATE THIRST. There are some foods that make me very thirsty. When this happens I have to find the right source to quench that thirst because some things just don’t do it. Sometimes a glass of milk helps while other times I am caused to keep drinking water and drinking water until I feel like I’m literally sloshing inside.

When others come INTO CONTACT with our life, do we live in such a way that we can make them REALLY THIRSTY for the Christian life we have?

Jesus said…
“YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH, but IF SALT HAS LOST ITS TASTE, HOW SHALL ITS SALTINESS BE RESTORED? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” ( Matthew 5:13 ESV)

There is a warning here to guard against the loss of “saltiness”! To lose the “saltiness” is to lose OUR PURPOSE! However, that thirst we create in others is to be FOR JESUS as the One who can truly satisfy. When Jesus talked with the woman at the well, He tried to help her understand that He alone could offer her what would truly satisfy her thirst and do so forever. ( John 4:13-14) If we create the thirst, but do not direct the attention ultimately to Jesus, we have fallen short of OUR PURPOSE. May the “saltiness” of our life produce a thirst in others that causes them to reach for Jesus to quench it.

Have a great day LEADING TOWARD LIVING WATER!
Carl

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