Read Matthew 5:13-16
You are the salt of the earth.—Matthew 5:13 (CEB)
One of my favorite meals is pinto beans cooked with diced onion, sweet pepper, tomato, garlic, and salt. Although we cannot see salt in our food, it is crucial. We always know whether or not it is present—too much can make a dish inedible, and too little leaves it tasting bland. Just the right amount ensures a tasty meal.
Salt is important in our faith as well. Jesus tells us to be salt of the earth. I think this means we should show Jesus’ love to the world in such a way that we bring forth its full flavor. Part of our Christian responsibility is not only to make ourselves pleasing to God but also to relate to others in a way that helps them become pleasing to God. What a big challenge Jesus has set before us.
Being salt to the world is both humbling and empowering. We are humbled because being salt requires us to direct our attention toward others. And we are empowered because we trust the Spirit and share Jesus’ ministry as we strive to make the world pleasing to God.
Prayer: O Lord, guide us to be salt in the world as we show your love to others. We pray as Jesus taught us, “Father, hallowed by your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:2-4, NIV). Amen.
Thought for the day: I please God when I relate to others with love.
William G. Heck, North Carolina
