I had planed to continue on in the Red Letter Series but there are times that the Holy Spirit might lead us in another direction…this is one of those times. I have heard preachers and those who have chosen to work within the faith community often say… “you never know when something you say will resonate with someone, make a difference in their lives and may even led them in a different direction.” Of all things after a “children’s message” in church last Sunday I found the subject for my next blog. “Get Salty”… It is time to get salty.

What is the role of salt in the Bible? For us to answer that question we need to know a little about the Hebrew society and and culture in both the Old and New Testaments. Salt was a necessity of life in that day and had many uses, seasoning, a preservative, a disinfectant, even used in various ceremonies. During the children’s time John reminded us that salt was an enhancer, when added to water it causes it to boil faster…we all know its value to make food taste better. To continue on metaphorically it had these virtues, permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification. In the first century salt was used to preserve food, especially meat, which would quickly spoil in the desert. The thought here is that man having turned from God can do no good, we have become corrupt as a people. Salt was also an enhancer, thus Christianity…Christians, who Jesus called the “salt of the earth” that were living under the guidance of the Holy Spirit should be to others like salt is to food. Christians should enhance the lives of others by being an example of good, a positive influence in a sinful world. We should stand out as a light for others but a deeper and meaningful way is written and can be found in Matthew 5:16…

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Consider this…We  work against that from happening because we settle for things that are more convenient or comfortable, rather than that which is truly best and pleasing to the Lord. Shame is, it is not that difficult to correct. We need to be humble before God, by showing obedience to the commandments of Christ. We can do that by living a spirit-led lifestyle of genuine discipleship that the distinctions between ourselves and the rest of the world are put aside and we remain focused on Christ and being obedient to Him. Now about Getting Salty… What could that mean to a christian?

First it is necessary to point out that the dictionary defines it as being tough and aggressive. My view is simple… Christians are often looked at as being timid and that in itself is a prevailing opinion among those outside the faith but I tend to disagree, you knew I would. 2 Timothy 1:7 says something different…

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

We are a bit different in the manner in which we react to this mess we find ourselves in. We respond best when we present a reasonable defense of the Christian faith and truth to those who disagree. There is what I call a Godly amount of restraint because we are all commanded to be ready and equipped to proclaim the gospel and defend our faith. Look to 1 Peter 3:15-16

“Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. 16 But do this in a gentle and respectful way.”

So the first point to be made is one of the missions in living a christian life is to Get Salty… if you will, to challenge these false teachers who promote false doctrines and deny the key truths of

the Christian faith. Getting Salty means that you know what you believe, why you believe it, how to share it with others, and how to defend it against lies and attacks. You can do this, you are not alone, The spirit will guide you. We need to speak up, to regain our place at the table, so to speak. You have all you need in the person of the Holy Spirit for guidance and if I may say so…you have the play book…The Bible…Read It!

Life is Good 

jk

Next week in the “Pew” we will be back in the Red…