Presenting ...
... a weekly letter of encouragement.
4 September, 1996 - Singapore
Good Morning!
Jesus said, "YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH"+
"SALT" is a noun describing a chemical
substance that acts upon its environment to change it.
"INERT" , by contrast, is an adjective
describing any sluggish substance devoid of active properties.
In other words, an "inert" object just sits there.
If we are in fact "THE SALT OF THE
EARTH" , how are we to be characterized:
#1. Salt is small. Unimpressive. Unnoticed.
During a dining experience, food is the focus of the meal, rather
than the salt. While salt enhances the food's flavor , it goes
quite unnoticed. Similarly, the true disciple of Christ usually
receives little recognition in a world whose values lie in the
opposite direction.
#2 Salt can have a powerful influence on changing its environment.
Salt, when rightly applied to food can transform it from unappealing
blandness into a delectable gourmet experience. Thus, Christians,
by virtue of their presence, can and should permanently change
their world.
#3. Salt is associated with purity.
A product of the sun and sea, salt's glistening whiteness suggests
the quality of purity. Thus believers, if they are to be the
"salt of the earth", must exemplify a standard
of absolute purity in thought, conduct and speech.
#4. Salt is a preservative.
In the days before refrigeration, salt was used as a preservative
on meat to delay decay. So today, the process of putrefaction
in society can at least be slowed by the presence of Christ's
followers.
#5. Salt has the potential of loosing its flavor or usefulness.
When diluted, Christians, like salt, are of little consequence,
except "...to be thrown out and trampled by men."++
SO THE BIG QUESTION IS: "HOW DO YOUR LOST
ACQUAINTANCES VIEW YOU: AS THE 'SALT' OF THE EARTH,
OR AS AN 'INERT' OBJECT?"
My prayer is that you are having a great week!
Dwight Hill
+Matthew 5:13a; ++Matthew 5:13b
© Copyright 1996 Dwight Hill. Unlimited permission to copy or use is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.
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