Clay in the Hands

Over the past several months I have given much thought to living the life in The Way – daily following Jesus. I have thought about my effectiveness to this point – and often times the lack of effectiveness. But more recently, I have been thinking about my effectiveness as a believer moving forward. There are now many more days on this planet behind me than there are in front of me. So how do I make sure the days I have left are spent pleasing Jesus?

In my devotional life, I am reading through the Sermon on the Mount – the greatest sermon ever preached – offered by Jesus Himself to His followers on the northern side of the lake in Galilee. At the beginning of the sermon, Jesus gave us a list of characteristics we should try to exhibit each day – what we have come to call the Beatitudes. Immediately after the list, He said this, “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.” (Matthew 5:13)

Salt brings out flavors in food; in moderation, it is a good thing. It also can be used as a preservative. Our lives are to bring enhancement to those around us – to add flavor to life. Our lives can bring preservation when our lives point others to the One who rescues. I don’t know about you, but if I am to be salt in a tasteless world, I don’t want to lose my saltiness.

What I have found is the only way to stay salty is to stay close to the source. When we move further away from the source, and allow ourselves to be diluted by the world, we lose saltiness. Jesus reminded us, in the Gospel of John, that we must remain or abide in Him – like a branch connected to a vine. Our effectiveness – or saltiness – is dependent on our staying close to Him.

How will you stay close and stay connected to Him today to ensure you don’t become diluted by the world around you?

Stay salty!