FEBRUARY 2012 - TIME TO GET OUT OF THE SALT SHAKER

How do tiny granules of salt make such a difference in the flavor of food? When an atom of sodium and chloride combine, a bonded molecule forms and creates a salt crystal - a new substance having particular potent functions. Similarly, when we give our life to God, we are united through the Holy Spirit and become a new creation in Christ (2Corinthians 5:17). We have a new purpose, power, and worth.

Jesus called His believers, “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). He went on to say that if salt loses its saltiness, it is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. It cannot be made salty again. If a seasoning has no flavor, it has no worth. Likewise, if Christians make no effort to spiritually affect the people around them, their salt has no value.

Being complacent in one’s faith is comparable to salt being stored in a salt shaker. Both are idle and not serving any purpose. Each needs to be poured out to have an effect on something. God pours out His blessing, His Spirit, and His love into our hearts, achieving great results. Paul writes about his life being poured out as an offering to Christ (2Timothy 4:6). Our inactive faith needs to be shaken or poured out and become functional. Faith without action is dead (James 2:14-26); our saltiness is useless when it is confined in a container.

It’s time to get out of the salt shaker. Year after year we watch our nation sink deeper into godlessness and sin without doing anything to oppose it. Many of us live in silent rebellion. Is it possible that our silence and inactivity are contributing to the so-called sins of omission? Are we losing our saltiness?

If we are too much like the world, we become contaminated and lose our effectiveness. We blend in instead of make a difference. God doesn’t want us to think and act like unbelievers, but to be useful in the world serving Him.

What difference have you made in another person’s life as a result of your faith? I am not ashamed of the gospel; yet, I admit that fear and laziness have kept me from responding as I should. You and I, as Christians, should not hesitate to pray, share our faith, promote morality, defend our rights, and support sincere believers for leadership and political roles. We never know how God will use our actions and words to inspire or help someone else.

What would have happened if Queen Esther did not take the risk and speak out? A new law had ordered the annihilation of the Jews in Persia - all to be murdered on a certain day. But her brave voice (used by God) birthed another new law which saved her people’s lives (Esther 3-9). We need more Christians to get involved in our nation, unite in prayer, speak out, and take action. Perhaps we also could save many lives, particularly the defenseless unborn.

Believers need to be shaken from complacency to a more vibrant and active faith in Jesus Christ. May your faith never be considered dead or useless; instead, may Jesus identify you as the salt of the earth.