Devotional

"How Salty Are You?"

Matthew 5:13-16

            Jesus tells his followers, and us, "You are the salt of the earth..."  This affirmation speaks to our value and the need of the world for those who live their faith.  Though salt is not as important a commodity today as it was in the first century, it still is an important ingredient in preservation and taste.  In Jesus' time it was very valuable as it not only gave zest to food's taste, but preserved it from decay.

            Likewise, by following the Beatitudes which came before this statement, when Jesus instructs us to be merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, we add zest to our lives and the lives of others.  Just as salt transforms our food, those who display the Beatitudes become game changers in the world.  But, those who do not adhere to the Beatitudes, who allow other elements to dilute the living of the faith, can lose their saltiness, their influence.  Diluting our witness with actions that contradict the words of Jesus can make our testimony weak, as well as our very life.

            Today, as I begin a new week, how does my Christianity display itself at work, home, at the gym?  Is there a zest, power, attractiveness to my Christianity?  How salty am I?

Ludwig Weaver

Matthew 5:13:     "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot."