God Speaking

“You are the salt of the earth….”

(Matthew 5:13)

Just recently a friend of mine forwarded me a copy of a Reflection she had written encompassing the Sunday Scripture readings for that week and within this very perceptive article she had included a charming little story about her grandmother. She had remembered as a small child, her grandmother always leaving behind a small container of salt in the cupboard of any holiday cottage they were leaving so the next occupants would not have to go without this very important part of our diet.

I was thinking about this story and how important salt was in ancient times and how it was used in all sorts of ways from preserving food to being part of the sacred covenant between God and his people;

“What is ever set aside from the holy offerings the Israelites present to the Lord I give to you and your sons and daughters as your regular share. It is an everlasting covenant of salt before the Lord for both you and your offspring.” (Numbers 18: 19)

Many of the offerings ordained by God were sprinkled with salt as a sign of the importance of always remembering the incredible privilege God was extending to his people in promising to dwell among them.

So when Jesus tells his disciples and us that we are the salt of the earth we become part of that sacred offering. We become sprinkled with salt that is given to us for a very special reason and Paul shows us how we can sprinkle others with what we have been blessed with.

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4: 6)

I was thinking back to my friend’s story and I thought what a beautiful example it set for us as followers of Jesus. I am sure we can all think of those special people who just seem to be able to say those right words when we need them and still leave behind them when they go, a warm feeling. Or others, who can bring laughter into our lives when things seem very gloomy and life looks brighter even when they leave, our spirits remain lifted. Others do practical services of love so the recipients are left with thankful hearts. I would call this;

Leaving behind a little salt!

When Paul was writing to the Galatians, he reminded them of the beautiful gifts of the Holy Spirit and I saw this as again a lovely example of how we could take Jesus word’s seriously about being the salt of the earth and try to leave some of this saltiness, mentioned here, behind wherever we find ourselves this week.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5: 22)