This week's guest blog is by a friend from church Vera Williams who is starting a new YouTube Channel and podcast called "Verafied by God." She has a passion for prayer and for encouraging people to stay strong in the faith. I'm sure her words will bless you as much as they have me.
What does it mean to be the salt of the earth? It means living a distinctly different life. As salt flavors, enhances, and brings a unique quality to what it touches, we too are called to impact the world. In Luke 9:23, Jesus challenges us to live separately and make a difference in this world. Denying oneself, picking up the cross, and following Jesus can be challenging. The world encourages pursuing money, success, and personal desires, but the Bible warns against chasing the deceitful and wicked desires of the heart. Our calling is to make disciples, spread the gospel, and seek the kingdom. Walking this path may lead to rejection and isolation, as not everyone follows Jesus. In my journey of faith, I discovered the need to let go of certain people and situations that conflicted with my newfound beliefs. Becoming the salt meant being drawn to some and repelling others, similar to how salt dissolves, attracts, and repels molecules in water. Embracing this reality requires mental preparation, as not everyone will understand or accept transformation. As I deepened my walk with the Lord, I learned to let go of worldly pursuits that once defined “fun.” Instead of seeking temporary pleasures, I found fulfillment in my relationship with Christ. It’s essential to recognize the shift in priorities, friendships, and values that accompanies living for Jesus. Navigating this route, I encountered difficulties and faced the need to rely solely on God. The absence of people I thought I needed for success highlighted that ultimately, Christ is all I need. This realization redirected my focus, and I embraced the sanctification process, continually dying to self on a daily basis. During challenging times, diving into the Bible and exploring the stories of Joseph, David, and Daniel provided encouragement. Their unwavering faith in the face of adversity showcased God’s faithfulness. While the road isn’t easy, standing firm in the faith is worth it. I encourage you to stay on the path, even when it feels isolating or challenging. Embrace the outcast status, knowing God will bring the right people into your life. You will find supportive community that aligns with your values. And while the way may be treacherous at times, with God’s help, you make it. Stay faithful and remember, you are called to either draw people to the altar or prompting them to run out of your life completely. There is no middle ground; we are not called to be lukewarm. In reflecting on the importance of being the salt of the earth, it’s crucial to heed Christ’s warning about the dangers of losing our saltiness. Jesus Himself questioned the purpose of salt that has lost its distinctiveness, stating that it is good for nothing and only fit to be thrown out and trampled (Matthew 5:13). As Christians, the risk lies in blending in too easily with the world, conforming to its standards and losing the unique flavor that sets us apart. While it may seem easier to go with the flow and avoid standing out, the consequence of not maintaining our saltiness is severe—being tossed aside and overlooked. Let this remind us that our faith calls us to stand out, to shine a beacon of light and hope in a world that often strays from God’s principles. The challenge is real, and the pressure to conform may be strong, but the words of Christ emphasize the necessity of maintaining our distinctiveness. In doing so, we fulfill our purpose as salt, bringing flavor, enhancement, and a transformative influence to the world. May we, as Christians, continually strive to stand out, maintaining our saltiness for the glory of God and the betterment of the world around us.
5 Comments
12/22/2023 11:07:58 am
Thanks for your encouragement that our call will be difficult but that we have biblical examples of characters who faced adversity and remained firmly faithful.
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Joanna Eccles
1/6/2024 05:32:22 pm
Yes, I am thankful for the examples God gave us in the Bible of people who endured hardships for the Lord because it encourages us that we can also overcome.
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12/28/2023 01:12:30 am
The best way I know to stay salty is to stay in the Word of God. Thanks for sharing.
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Joanna Eccles
1/6/2024 05:33:42 pm
Agreed. If we aren't staying in the Bible, then we aren't getting the truth we need to flavor the world around us. Thanks for reminding us of the importance of time in the Word.
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J.D. Wininger
1/19/2024 07:52:42 am
I'm with Ms. Cathy and Ms. Annie. The best way I know to "stay salty" is study, prayer, and fellowship.
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AuthorJoanna Eccles has led Bible studies for over twenty years and completed the year-long C. S. Lewis Fellows Program. She is passionate about discipleship and helping people grow in Christ. Joanna enjoys coffee and reading, and currently lives in Florida. Categories
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