From The Voice New Testament
Matthew 5:13--You, beloved, are the salt of the earth.
In The Voice New Testament, there is a small paragraph that the writers inserted that made this particular scripture stand out just a little bit more.
"Salt draws out the good flavors subtly hidden in food and preserves what would otherwise spoil, as do those who claim to be the children of God."
What a tremendous description of a healthy Christian. Where ever we go, and in as many situations as possible, we should be this type of a person. Just as Jesus always did, we should find ways to bring out the good things in the people we deal with on a daily situation. Jesus was particularly adept at bringing out the best even in the sinners. This is what drew the sinners to him.
The 'God Establishment' of those days were more busy being 'salty' than being the 'salt of the earth'. They showed bitterness and resentment toward those who were trapped by sin. They treated them as outcasts and not worthy of their fellowship. When they were around sinners they made sure that the sinners knew that they were the 'God Establishment'.
Jesus ate and drank with sinners. He never participated in their sins. He never purposely made them feel uncomfortable. The discomfort they felt was when they rejected the love of God that He displayed so openly for them.
We have learned that adding salt to our food enhances the food's flavor. Therefore, because of our desire to enjoy what we eat, we come back to the salt shaker again and again. Jesus was the salt for the whole earth. As Jesus poured Himself out to everyone He met, they desired to be with him again and again.
Can we same the same about our lives? Do people seek us out to be around us? Or, do they shun us for being too......'salty'?
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