Today we have a guest post from Kingsley Rivera, and I’m so excited for you to read it! If you enjoy what you read here today, make sure to follow her on instagram @iamkingsleyb

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” - ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬

When my husband and I began dating, I was pleasantly surprised to discover his love for cooking. Not only does he enjoy it, but he is very, very good. Now I know that can be a matter of personal preference, but as a Georgia peach who spent most of her time growing up in Texas, I would say with confidence my palate has become quite accustomed to the flavors of good food. It is not uncommon in our household to find us whipping up a wide variety of savory dishes from rich butter chicken, to basil pesto shrimp pasta, or even a flavorful teriyaki stir fry. We enjoy gathering fresh ingredients and the process of preparation ensuring the meats are properly marinated, sauces are of desired consistency, and every additive in between is in perfect condition ready to be incorporated into a myriad of tasty dishes. Most importantly, we are especially attentive to our spices. No properly prepared cuisine is complete without the perfect blend of spices and seasonings. A dish without seasoning is void of flavor and underwhelming to the tastebuds.

In Matthew 5, we find Jesus preaching one of the most prominent messages of his ministry, the sermon on the mount. As he is discussing the various aspects of a believer’s life, he makes a strange statement. “You are the salt of the earth.” He goes on to explain the repercussions of salt that loses its’ flavor, asking how it can be made salty again. Furthermore, salt that has lost it’s taste is “no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under peoples’ feet”. If you are like me, perhaps the first time you read this passage you were as equally confused as I was. What does it mean to be the salt of the earth as a follower of Jesus Christ? Upon further study, I discovered there were two applications for salt in the Middle East during biblical times. It was first used as a preservative of foods, especially meats, as there was a lack of refrigeration and without preservation, it would quickly spoil. Secondly, much like now, it was used to add flavor and enhance the taste of any dish it was applied to. What does this mean for us?

As a believer, we are intended to preserve the earth. It is clear we live in a fallen world, but as Christians, we are supposed to live in such a way that takes from the corruption and decay of sin. We know from Romans 6:23 that “The wages of sin is death”. Our duty to the world is to protect life and pursue the fulfillment of God’s kingdom in the earth. In order to do this successfully, we cannot be dull. Like tasteless salt, if we are not potent as disciples of Christ, we become ineffective. In the same manner, we are to bring flavor to this life. We are to be consecrated as dedicated disciples seeking to be more and more like Jesus. We are not meant to conform (Romans 12:2) but instead must stand out. We are to be peacemakers in the midst of chaos, love our enemies, hunger and thirst for righteousness and submit fully to God as we take up our cross daily to follow Christ. Like salt seasons food, we too are supposed to enhance life with the goodness of God flowing through us.  Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the LORD is good”. The goodness of God is revealed in the life of a consecrated believer. When we choose to to fully surrender and obey, we maintain the distinct influence in the world much like seasoning in a delicious meal.

I pray that today you will take a moment to ask yourself whether you are being the salt of the earth. Are you living boldly for Jesus? Are you fully surrendered, or are there areas where your

influence is being dulled by conforming to the world? Resolve today to stand firmly for the Lord and bring preservation and flavor to the world around you!

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