Be Like Salt

Tracey Bowen
Mark 9:42-50
42″And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 43If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. 45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. 47And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48where ” ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’49Everyone will be salted with fire.
50″Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.”

I love the way the Word of God is full of analogies. It allows us to have practical examples from everyday life that lead to the truth of how to live godly. Examine for a moment the notion of being like “salt” as this passage of scripture suggests we should be. What exactly are the properties of salt? I am so glad you asked! First, salt adds flavor. As Believers we should add flavor to our environment by bringing something new and different to the table. If we are like those around us, adding nothing new or having no flavor, how can we be an effective witness for Christ? How will anyone know we are Believers?

Second, you only need a little salt to season things just right. As Believers, we must remember that less is more─ the more you show love with the least number of words possible, the more of an impact you have as a witness. Wise people win souls and they do so with as few words as possible.

Lastly, salt creates thirst. The life of a Believer should be one that glorifies God in such a manner that those who do not know Him would want to know what makes you so peaceful, joyful, loving, concerned, prosperous; and the list should go on and on. As they witness you and your life, at some point they will ask the question “what must I do to be saved?” At that point you have just helped to create a thirst or longing for righteousness that God promises to fill. When we do not live up to our expectations as sons and daughters of God, we yet again cease to be like salt and create that thirst.

So be like salt─ add flavor, create thirst, and only say what is necessary. The end result will be souls drawn to God and Him being glorified. What a blessing!

Tracey Bowen
Bethel Apostolic Temple
Miami, Florida