Matthew – God’s Purpose
I must confess, I am addicted to salty treats. I love the papas fritas here in Bolivia because of the right amount of salt on these crispy delights. My mouth waters getting ready for the flavor that will explode. Even the dried banana chips are salty with flavor. So, you can imagine my excitement when I discovered cashew nuts at the market the other day. I waited until I got home to taste our favorite salty nut of choice. Randy and I dove into the bag, threw some cashews into our mouth only to find they had NO salt on them whatsoever. What a disappointment! Still great looking, whole cashews on the outside, but no enticing salty flavor wrapped around them. Sigh. I haven’t touched them since that first bite. I am avoiding them altogether. I am saddened by the experience. (Smiling)
Jesus delivers a great example of how we are SUPPOSED to taste to the world of people around us seeking life.
Matthew 5:13-16, NKJVBelievers Are Salt and Light
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
FROM THE HEART…
What happens when we lose our saltiness? What causes this to happen in our lives? I am a “lifer” in God’s church. Here is what I have noticed and heard in God’s people who begin to lose their “salt” as their lights dim, causing people to avoid them:1. Self becomes their focus. Are all my needs being met?
2. Since all my perceived needs are not being met I will tell you how we “used to do things around here”.
3. Why do I need to ask people to come with me to church, they know it’s here.
4. Why aren’t we singing what we used to sing?
5. Let’s just send a check to missions. We don’t need to go personally or get involved. There is too much work to be done here at home.
6. Give more? I’m giving all I want to give now.
7. Why must you always give an invitation to accept Jesus? We are all saved.
8. Tell those new Christians what to wear, how to speak and walk. They are not behaving like us. So, they are wrong.
I can’t go on, this list makes me too sad and heartbroken. You get the picture. Like the unsalted nuts that I am now avoiding because they aren’t salty enough, maybe we should do a reflect and quick check of our own saltiness to the world. How do we taste to the world? Bland or Salty? Is the world not listening to us and avoiding us all together because of our blandness? Yikes!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to be sensationally salty to this world, seasoned heavily by You! Pour it on. I want what You want. Transform me to be all you intended and created me to be…then do. Invite me to join You in Your work to seek and save the lost who are without You.
In Jesus Name, Amen
