Monday - "Salt, Anyone?"

Matthew 5:13 (TM) "Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.”

For the next couple of mornings, we're going to pick apart this wonderful verse...what it means and what we are supposed to do about it.

The first part of the verse tells us that we are supposed to be the salt-seasoning that "brings out the God-flavors of this earth." What does that mean? What does it mean to be the "salt of the earth?" I guess the best way to tackle this would be to ask yourself... "What am I doing that reflects the character of God and helps to bring that out in others?"

This past weekend, Pastor Scott showed a video which was very revealing about the opinions that people have of Christians...words like hypocrite and fanatic were thrown around throughout it. Do you ever wonder why people feel that way? God has called us to be the flavoring in an otherwise bland world....but what flavor? Salt, by its very nature, is used to enhance food...not overpower it. Is that what we're doing with the influence that Christ has on our lives? Are we loving others unconditionally to enhance their lives? Are we forgiving when all signs point to holding a grudge? Do we offer help when everyone else offers a cold shoulder? Is your Christ-led life enhancing the lives of others?

This can be a tough self-analysis. Today...look for ways to show God's character (through your actions) to others. Let them see your influence as empowering, encouraging, and Christ-like. Let's really try together this week to step out boldly and live out the behaviors that will bring out the "God-flavors" in an otherwise bland world.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor Brian