+DEV+ Being Salty

Date: June 28, 2009 10:15 PM

Topic: +DEV+ Being Salty

Being Salty

“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out” (Luke 14:34-35).

Scripture Focus: Luke 14:25-35

Jesus used salt to remind people what it means to follow Him. His audience understood His vivid illustration because salt was a common preservative and flavoring agent. Everyone knew that if the saltiness (sodium chloride) disappeared, the residue was useless and they tossed it out.

Following Him, Jesus warned, did not mean having a trouble-free life. His followers needed to be committed in a way that gave Him preeminence. He asked then, and now, for total submission. Those who followed Him halfheartedly would never make the impact they needed to make on the world around them. They were like salt without the salty taste.

Before making a commitment to Jesus, we need to count the cost. He never promised it would be easy. Remaining unaffected by the sinful world and true to Jesus is a struggle. But those who choose to be His “salty” followers have great reward and great opportunity to “flavor” the world by sharing the message of His love.

Insight: When Christians blend into the world to avoid the cost of standing up for Christ, they are useless, like salt without flavor. How salty are you?