Thought for the Day
August 21, 2008
Thought for the Day

We are the salt of the earth...not the sugar.  Our lives, our ministry is to truly cleanse those around us, to bring the fresh taste of God's living word to our culture and to preserve our Godly heritage (Vance Havner, adapted)
God's Living Word

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 by men. "You are the light of the world. A city 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:13-16, NIV)
In ancient cultures, salt was so valuable that it was often used as a medium of exchange.  Not only did salt add flavor to food, it was valued as a preservative. Animal flesh was dried and salted in order to keep it from spoiling--to preserve its life-giving nutrients until it was consumed.  It was also used to help cleanse and heal wounds and restore health to an individual.  It is this very valuable and important ingredient that Jesus uses to teach us a valuable lesson of life.

Pastor David Jeremiah makes this observation on these words of Jesus.

"When Jesus told His disciples that they were the "salt of the earth", they would have immediately recognized the metaphor.  But they probably had to think about its implications.  The flavor they were to add to the world speaks of the abundant life Jesus came to give (John 10:10).  But their role as a preservative required deeper understanding.  Without the spiritual presence of God in this world, darkness would quickly overtake everything."

There it is...our calling from Jesus to make a difference.  To speak the truth.  To share His wisdom.  To add God's flavor to the conversation as the Holy Spirit uses us to make a difference.

It is my prayer that your "saltiness" will come out today as you make a difference for Him.

Have a great day with Jesus and Be There!
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