Recent scandals in the news remind us that people are not always as they appear. On the outside, a notable person may seem like a solid citizen with good morals and good character, but they may be hiding another side of their lives. Behind the scenes, they may be liars, cheats, womanizers, greedy, power crazy, or have some other character defects.
In contrast, we followers of Christ must walk the walk, as well as talk the talk. That is, we are supposed to proclaim the message of Christ and live consistently by it. This is very important in a world that is always looking for ways to discredit our faith.
When Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13, NIV), He was telling His followers that they had a purpose in the world. Among other things, they were to preserve godliness in an ungodly world. They were to improve the world with the message of Christ and with their good deeds. And, their godly examples were to confirm the truth of Christ’s message.
Years later, Apostle Paul admonished Christians to live their lives as the salt of the earth. In one place he gave some specific and practical instructions. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. (Ephesians 5:3-4, NIV)
Now, I realize that it is not always easy to be “the salt of the earth.” It is much easier to be like everybody else. And, sometimes our sinful human nature cries out to be obeyed, while the Spirit of God prompts us to live by God’s standards. The battle between the Spirit and the flesh continues until we make a firm decision which way we will go-obeying God or obeying our sinful human nature.
The good news is that following the Holy Spirit leads us to rewards like, love, joy, peace, and a deep satisfaction. And, these rewards can continue to bless us forever in Heaven. On the other hand, the bad news is that continuing to follow the desires of the flesh may give us temporary pleasure, but the flesh cannot be truly satisfied in this life. It will always crave more. And along with the growing burden of guilt that they carry in this life, those who follow ungodliness will eventually live “where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched’” (Mark 9:48, NIV), as Jesus said.
Friend, we must resist temptations to lower God’s standards just to satisfy our own desires. We must choose to put to death the desires of the flesh each day, so we can follow the Holy Spirit. We must strive to live our lives consistently by God’s word.
As the salt of the earth, Jesus wants us to preserve the truth and the life that He has established in this world. He wants us to make our world a better place, leaving a godly legacy behind us. And, He wants us to live our lives so they will make other people thirsty for Him.
You and I have a big job to do as the salt of the earth. Thank God, He is with us to help us.
Remember, God loves you and so do I.
Phil