Reflections

Several months ago, I was struck by a section of scripture that I have read many times in my life.
Matthew 5:13ff, "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. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put is on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
In an earlier blog, I wrote how God has been impressing on me the importance of each word in His Word. The same held true in this instance. You are the salt of the earth. It doesn't say, "you can be" or "you will be some day" or "you need to be" - no it simply says, "you ARE the salt of the earth." In the past, I've heard many speakers talk about the importance of salt - as a preservative and as a flavor enhancer, but I don't recall any speaker ever focusing on the word ARE. Tonight, after months of the Spirit bringing this verse to my mind over and over, Pastor David spoke on the book of Malachi. He spoke about the importance of living a life of integrity before God and man, "our lips and life should match." He spoke about the problems in this world and the many people all around us who do not choose Christ. Then David said, "maybe the fault is in the salt." BAM!! There I was back at Matthew 5.
You ARE the salt of the earth... So what does that mean? What is it that God is trying to reveal to me in His Word? Each individual word seems so simple. When I think about salt, it strikes me that it is not the presence of salt, but the absence of salt that is usually noticed first. Food becomes unpalatable or even rotten in the absence of salt. Salt is not the main ingredient - but its absence changes everything. What an awesome responsibility we have Lord! ARE - a statement of fact, a command or, perhaps, a confirmation of my purpose? ARE - present tense; in the now; in this moment I am salt.
Do I realize that I am salt every moment of every day? How does that thought affect my daily actions and interactions? Father, I confess that I miss my students. How much I loved them, Lord. How much I wanted to give of my life to them. Did they know? Father, I confess that I wonder at your purposes for me in this moment of my life - forgive me Lord for forgetting that I am salt in every environment you place me and in the midst of every circumstance. Help me Father to live out your unique purpose for me each day with joy and anticipation. Pastor David was right - the fault is in the salt. Thank you for loving me so much.