Signs of Life

Day 5

“There’s a power in the presence of Christians that permeates the society and sets into play the grace of God.”

Today’s devotional revolved around our being salt in the world.  This is the message I saw Dr. Jeremiah preach when I originally discovered his book.  It rung so true to me that I decided to watch him again.  It was after his second teaching that I decided to buy this book.  So glad I did!

He explained this verse in such a way that opened a whole new understanding of scripture for me.

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.  Matt. 5.13

Salt prevents decay, provides flavor, promotes thirst and permeates food. When you break it down that way, it requires you to look at your role in this world in a new and fresh way. 

Salt has always been used as a preservative, and particularly so during biblical times.  So a statement like the one made in Matthew 5 was pretty significant at the time.  It’s clear that God intended for us to be a type of preservative while living here on earth.  In other words, our mere presence should prevent decay. 

When others, who know that you’re a Christian, are around you, don’t they clean up their language?  Aren’t they hesitant to do something illegal?  Granted, there are people who will act worse just to upset you, but they do that knowing full well what they say and do are wrong.  We are (or should be) a moral compass to others.

As salt, we also provide flavor.  Our interactions with others should be reflective of Jesus and His character.   His character qualities should be our character qualities, and they should be genuine.  Any of us can plant a smile on our face or be pleasant; but let’s be honest; we can all tell when someone’s heart isn’t matching their words.

Salt also promotes thirst.  Our interactions with others should cause them to want (or thirst after) what we have.  Has anyone said to you “there’s something different about you” (and mean it in a positive way)?  Or have they wondered how you make it through some of your toughest battles?  They should see our peace in our most difficult times and want it themselves.

In giving an example of how one Christian was so influenced by a preacher that “he made me hungry for the Word,” Dr. Jeremiah states in today’s devotional:  “Our commitment to scripture, plus our cheerfulness and our enthusiasm for Christ can influence others in the same way.”

So true.

And finally, salt permeates food.

Just a little goes a long way; a small amount of salt can completely change the taste of a dish.  We may be small, we may be one person, be we can have a huge effect on the world around us.

Today’s life sign is:  I am conscious of influencing those around me.

Today’s verse is:  Mark 9.50 "Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

Action:  What am I doing that causes others to thirst for the living water?