Christian Living

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The older I get the more I reflect back on my life. How many people have I crossed paths with? How many friendships and casual acquaintances have I developed? When I put this with my own family members, it is probably hundreds of people.

Scripture tells us in Matthew 5:13 that Christians should be the "salt of the earth." Colossians 4:6 adds to this. "Let your speech always be seasoned with salt..." So, what is the significance of salt? The context of these verses relates to making a difference, through our speech and conduct, in the lives of those around us or with whom we come into contact.

There are two uses of salt which have direct application here: salt is a preservative and it can create thirst. How many people throughout the course of my life and your life, have become thirsty for what we have, as Christians? How many people have seen us as preservatives for truth, justice, and righteousness? In my own life that is a very incriminating thought, for I can't think of many.

There is another verse, I Peter 3:15, "...be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that lies within you..."

How much salt is in your life and my life? How many people have said to us, "There is something different about your life and I want what you have?"

Let's look at some ways we can be salty Christians. I believe it starts with people seeing not a religion, but a relationship. They must see a distinction between simply going to church and genuine Christianity. The average non-Christian sees Christianity as nothing more than a religion.

Certainly, joy in the midst of adversity is another form of salt. Think of Paul and Silas in prison singing hymns, which prompted the jailer to ask, "What must I do to be saved?"

Returning evil with good shakes some salt. This is something the world simply cannot comprehend.

Loving others with godly unconditional love that demonstrates that love is an act of will, not dictated by emotions, is another salt shaker. When people see we love them, even though we may not like what they do, it gets their attention. Liking someone is conditional and based on feelings. Loving as Christ loved is unconditional and an act of will.

Forgiveness is certainly an ingredient of being a salty Christian. Forgiving the unforgivable is a sign of a true saint of God.

Our daily conversations can also provide salt. You know, we have a certain amount of control over our conversations. We don't have to engage in gossip or crass jokes. We can raise the level of conversations. When people talk about a bad marriage or grave sickness, we can say to them, "I believe in miracles; I will pray for you."

We can communicate the hope we have for eternal existence with God.

Let's all be salty Christians. How many non-Christians are in your and my life, that we are shaking some salt into?

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