Salt of the Earth

In the sermon on the mount, after Jesus gave the Beatitudes (the blessings) he said:

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 underfoot.

Like a lot of things he said, this is somewhat cryptic and likely had cultural themes that might be hard to understand today.

What's the reference to salt all about? 

In the book of Leviticus, when God was teaching his people about how they were to present offerings, he said:

Season all your grain offerings with salt. Do not leave the salt of the covenant of your God out of your grain offerings; add salt to all your offerings.

Also in the book of Numbers, he said to the priests:

Whatever is set aside from the holy offerings the Israelites present to the Lord I give to you and your sons and daughters as your perpetual share. It is an everlasting covenant of salt before the Lord for both you and your offspring. The Lord said to Aaron, “You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any share among them; I am your share and your inheritance among the Israelites.

So God said:

• To those who have land and possessions, flavor everything you offer to me with salt.
• For those who have no land or possessions (the priests) you will live off of what the others have offered to me - an "agreement of salt". 

I'm sure there are dozens of ways to interpret this. Here is my view (for today)...

I'm supposed to be the "salt" in some of the things God gives to people. His blessing and goodness don't just come magically from heaven - I don't think they would fulfill their purpose. I'm called to be part of the giving process. Everything comes from God, but he wants me to put "my flavor" on it.

This isn't such a crazy idea. When our kids were little, we could go with them to buy presents for each other at Christmas. Even though the money came from me, I wanted them to pick the gift out, wrap it and give it. Why? So they would be part of the process - it's obviously good for the giver and receiver.

As as Jesus said, if I loose my flavor, what's the point. My effort won't build people up, it will just cause trouble, I will get stepped on, and the process will be worthless. 

Paul said:

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

God, help me to give often and give with a good heart.

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Sundays | God will set things right – I want to join him

- For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever

- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God

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