Scripture Reading
Mark 9:50 – Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it
salty again? Have salt among yourselves, and be at peace with each other. (1]
Devotional
In this passage, I see three important points of a Christian life that are
needed to make a difference. Jesus used salt to illustrate those three
qualities that should be found in us.
• Salt Is Good for Seasoning
The same way that a dash of salt added to a flavorless dish can stimulate your taste buds and increase your appetite, a dash of seasoning in our spiritual life such as love, patience, kindness, gentleness, mercy, and grace can make a big difference in the way we live for Jesus. So too does our attitude toward others. In these “seasonings,” others will see the love of Christ in us and may be drawn closer to God Almighty because their spiritual taste buds are awakened. Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
• Salt Preserves and Flavors
You must have the qualities of salt, which preserves food, making the food taste better. So Christians need to attract people, not push them away. We are God’s representatives, His instruments, His mouthpieces, His hands and feet. Let us engage wisely in the work God is calling us to do to further His kingdom on earth and in heaven. Let us follow Jesus’s footsteps and be the person God wants us to be.
When we lose our saltiness, we fail to accomplish God’s plan and purpose for our life. Without “saltiness,” we act like the people of the world, and we are unable to attract nonbelievers to Jesus Christ as we should. Always be mindful about how you treat others, and if you fail, you must acknowledge your mistake and begin again with God’s help. Trust Him and follow His instructions. Be like a magnet that attracts any piece of metal it comes near; then people will want what you have in Christ.
• Live in Peace with Each Other
Romans 12:18 says: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” To live in peace with each other, we need to learn how to change our attitude in certain circumstances. We can adopt the serenity prayer in our daily life: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
Let us rid ourselves of self-centeredness and be ready to help, encourage, and reach out to others in need. Be a person with a forgiving heart; able to practice self-control in difficult situations-a person with a loving, tender, and humble heart.
Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Let us be the salt that flavors the earth with love, compassion, and kindness. Remember, we cannot be genuinely at peace with each other until we are at peace with God and at peace with ourselves.
Your Application
