Jesus has declared that Christians are the salt of the earth.  On last week, we heard Jesus underscore the reality that salt has the power to make a difference.  We have the power to make a difference.  The Lord expects us to make a difference.  He has strategically positioned us in the world that the world might be better.  We said on last week that in the ancient world, salt was used to flavor, preserve, and purify.  We then examined salt as a flavor enhancer.  Salt adds zest and brings taste to what would otherwise be bland and disappointing.  Christians are not negative, grumpy, stagnated or difficult.  Nay, to the contrary, Christians are confident, optimistic, having a joyous nature because of our position and privileges in Christ (And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus; That in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus [Eph. 2:6:6, 7]).  May I remind you that to be effective, we must “get out of the shaker.”  Salt is only effective when it engages it’s surroundings.  Salt left in the shaker is of no use.  This present day drift towards decadence can only be checked by the presence of followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Where there are Christians, there is a better citizenry.  Jesus tells us that we are to “Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God, the things that are God’s”  (Matt. 22:21 b).  The Christian influence will help to improve public policy and will be a consistent voice speaking out about morality and justice.  This, of course, is no surprise Christians vote and encourage others to do so!  A Christian’s work ethic is guided by his relationship with the Lord.

Dear ones, prove all things; hold fast that which is good and “get out of the shaker”.

Pastor J. Amos Jones

Jesus, the Master Teacher, tells us in Matthew 5:13, that we, as Christians, are the salt of the earth. What a profound statement, but then to that Jesus poses a rhetorical question: “but if the salt have lost his savor (strength), wherewith shall it be salted”? Jesus underscores the reality that salt has the power to make a difference. Dear Ones, the Lord has strategically positioned us in the world to make a difference. In the ancient world, salt was used to flavor, preserve, and purify. As a flavor enhancer, salt adds zest and brings taste to what would otherwise be bland and disappointing. The overall climate of our nation is one of fear. The economy, the mortgage melt-down, the bank bailouts, unemployment, and this and that, all give cause for concern, however, we know in whom we have believed. As Christians, we are confident and optimistic that during these dark times: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined” (Isaiah 9:2). To the Christian I say, “get out of the shaker.” Salt is only effective when it engages it’s surroundings. Salt left in the shaker is of no use. During these dark times, this should be the finest hour for the Church of the Living God. We know that our God, Jehovah-Jireh, is our source. The Lord will provide! Because of all we have in Jesus, our lives are rich and free. We are as Christians, not negative, not stagnated, not embroiled, in the fear and worry of the times, but rather confident in the Creator of the universe that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the Power that worketh in us.

Beloved, as salt, please “get out of the shaker”!

Pastor J. Amos Jones