Salt Effect

I was cooking the other day and realised that my salt container was almost empty and I did not have any spare in my pantry. But luckily there was enough to use for that time and I ensured that I bought some the next day itself.

Usually when I am unexpectedly low on something, I would look to use substitutes. I know that there are salt substitutes out there or you can use some herbs and spices to give some flavour. But there is nothing quite like salt when it comes to bringing forth that burst of flavour from all the ingredients within a recipe.

I was reminded of Mathew 5:13 when Jesus says “You are the Salt of the earth.”

Jesus gives a very practical way for us on how to relate to the world. We, His followers are in this world for a time and for a reason, to be present in and a part of the world around us but doing the work He has purposed for us.

Potential

Salt is not something that you would scoop up a spoonful of on its own and consume, but when added to a recipe, it brings out such a shift in all those beautiful flavours. It has the same potential to bring about that change in flavour while in the container but is effective only when is added in.

For us: It is a reminder for us that we are most effective when God uses us. The Holy spirit within, enables us, but if we are not willing to be used by the Lord, we are as effective as the salt that remain unused.

Available and Ready

Salt may be basic but it is one of the most essential ingredients in every household. It sits there on our table, not particularly standing out or taking centre place but available and ready to be added in whenever needed.  

For us: May we have that sort of readiness and availability to be used by God whenever and wherever He decides to do so.

When to add in salt and how much to add in is decided by the one making the meal.

For us: May we reflect that too in our Christian walk. Let God direct us when, where and how exactly to be used. Relying on His wisdom and timing so that His name is glorified and when His love and message is shared, it creates a deeper and more powerful impact than we could ever imagine or manage on our own.

Worth

Salt in the Roman times was an expensive commodity, being so valuable that sometimes their wages were paid in salt. You might think that Jesus called us ‘the salt of the earth’ relating to the value it had then. But let’s not restrict the Lord’s wisdom to only a time period. Although He often explained things that required an understanding of the times and culture then, we know that God’s word is living and powerful and speaks to us now as much as it did then and will continue to do so.

So, although salt is monetarily less valuable now in comparison to then, it does not lessen how essential and how much needed it still is.

Its worldly value did in no way take away what it is designed to do.

For us: If we feel less noticed or valued by society around us- remember that our worth comes from God. Our worth and the effect we as His followers can have is not deemed by whether the world around us today decides we are valuable or not.

Small yet Impactful

Salt may be tiny, but not much of it is needed to make an effect.

For us: Don’t be discouraged by how small or insignificant we may feel or seem. We might think our effect will be minimal but every grain of salt counts and so do you.

Every grain of Salt adds to that spoonful you add in but at the same time a single grain of salt is not as effective as when put together. There is power in togetherness and fellowship. Our working together with others that God places us with, makes us significantly more effective.

Saltiness

In a day, you don’t use Salt all the time but the salt has to retain its saltiness throughout to be effective when used. Let’s not forget to be connected to God every day with diligence so that we retain our saltiness and are effective when he pours us into whatever situation He decides to, so that we can infuse that situation with the flavour and presence of God.

Bring about the Change

Salt brings about the change to what it is added into. The ingredients within the recipe does not make the salt lose its effect. Salt enhances the flavours it is added to and not the other way around.

For us: When we converse or interact with others what do we add in and invite to that conversation or interaction. Is there godliness, gentleness, compassion, kindness, grace, love and mercy. May we infuse the spirit as we speak and act, so that we bring that positive God infused change and not let that which is around us affect us so much that we lose our saltiness.

A part of who we are

We are His children, being His is reflected in how we think, behave, interact with others and how we view the world.

Jesus says “You are the salt of the Earth”, You are – not, you should be. His Spirit within us enables us to be who He has designed and purposed us to be.

Let being the Lord’s, infusing the world around us with His love, message, grace and having an obedient willingness to bring about that salt effect where God pours us, be who we are.

God Bless.