“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6).
Today, the word “salty” often describes an angry or irritated person. It carries a negative connotation. The Bible, on the other hand, describes Jesus-followers as the “salt of the earth.” From a biblical perspective, a “salty” Christian effectively carries out the mission of sharing Jesus with the world.
In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus used salt and light as metaphors to teach his disciples: “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God- flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” Salt adds flavor, and it preserves! Just as our bodies cannot survive without salt, the world cannot survive without Christ!
As salt and light, we are able to show others more of God and less of us. His light shines through us in how we live and love. The adage, “You may be the only Bible some person ever reads,” motivates us to deeply consider our influence and not be conformed to the world. The world is drawn to God when the contrast to this world is compelling. Nothing compares to life in Christ. We want this same blessed life for others!
Guiding Points:
Call to Action: How can we increase our saltiness? Read these scriptures out loud and pray for God’s direction in this area.
“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So, live as people of light!” (Ephesians 5:8).
“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).
“Have salt in yourselves and be at peace with one another” (Mark 9:50).
Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we praise You today for the gift You have given us through Your Son, Jesus! We ask that You keep us salty in our walk with You. Keep us refreshed in spirit, and let Your light never dim in our hearts. We desire to grow deeper in our relationship with You. Help us to walk the walk (and not just talk the talk), so people around us will know You live in us. Please help us be inspired by Your Word to tell everyone the Good News about You! We thank you, Lord, for Your goodness to us! In Your name, we pray, Amen!
Final Thought: “Your Word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). God gave us the Bible as a map to navigate life on earth – we are to share the same gift with others. His Word is for everyone and will help through any obstacle we encounter. Stay salty in Him and be light bearers! He is so worthy!
Stay Salty!
The Strongest Faith in the Deepest Pain
“For she said, ‘If I touch even His garments, I will be made well’” (Mark 5:28).
Walking Confidently in His Light
“For once, you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So, live as people of light!” (Ephesians 5:8).
On the Solid Rock, We Stand
“He alone is my Rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken” (Psalm 62:6).
Battling Anxiety: A Christian Perspective
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25).
Let the Peace of Christ Rule
“Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one Body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
Surrounded by The Father
“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).
God Uses Imperfect People in Extraordinary Ways
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
Turning Your Mess into a Message
“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me” (Psalm 66:16).
Encouragement and Prayer for New Graduates
Graduation is such an exciting moment! While it’s the end of a significant chapter, it’s the beginning of many new ones forward! Taking time to celebrate this milestone is important. While there may be some uncertainty about next steps, God’s Word provides direction for the road ahead. God cares about the details of every life and wants to lead each graduate to their purpose in Christ. When we seek His face and lean into Him, He promises to be with us in every step of the journey (Matthew 6:33).