Keep your "saltiness"...

Was cooking squash the other day, and as I was seasoning it with salt, my love affair over the years with understanding the many attributes of salt came to mind.  As I sprinkled the salt, I noticed the randomness of how the sprinkles fell upon the squash.  Immediately, Matthew 5:13 came to mind. Jesus states, "You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."

I then saw the salt as Christians sprinkled here and there, and the squash as the "great big world" we're placed in. 
But, I quickly realized that perspective makes Christians appear feeble and randomly placed instead of influential and strategically placed by an almighty God.  God doesn't just shake us here and there hoping we make a difference.  God has strategically placed us where he needs us to be according to his plan to BE the difference!  Remember, Jesus said we are the salt of the earth.  We (followers of Christ) give the world its flavor--not the other way around. And even though my squash was good and nutritious all by itself, salt made it that much more enjoyable.

A fallen world, however, isn't good all by itself.  Christians give it what it needs to have flavor.  And, to me flavor translates into a standard of and purpose for living. 

So, let me encourage you friend.  Your "saltiness" comes from the indwelling Holy Spirit received in you when you accepted Christ into your heart as your Lord and Savior.  Trust that where you are now is where God has "sprinkled" you for such a time as this. Have courage! God will NEVER forsake you or leave you (Deut. 31:6).  When you can't see him or question if he's there, he's gone before you to prepare the path AND he's with you as you forge that path, simultaneously! (Deut. 31: 8) The spirit in you is powerful (2 Timothy 1:6)!

So, to whom or in what situation has God placed you to provide flavor this week? Ask God to help you view it through his lens.  I'm praying for you...