SECRET #15 OF FOLLOWING JESUS

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Now that Jesus has described what it means to be a happy, blessed and fulfilled follower, He uses two dynamic terms to position you for the mission He has for you in this world-salt and light. The first is salt and sets us up for SECRET #15: The follower of Jesus is the invisible salt of the earth-the very presence of God.

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men."

NOTE Jesus says, "You ARE the salt of the earth!" It's not that you might be or you could be, but you ARE. Salt was used as a preservative to counteract the decay in meat. In order for the salt to be effective it must be out of the saltshaker and applied to the meat.

Salt is a vivid image of what Jesus wants from us. Salt has always been a highly valued commodity. It was even used for money. Roman soldiers were often paid in salt for their salary.

Salt is healing and soothing. The Hebrew word "salt" not only means to be soft, smooth and soothing, it was believed to possess healing properties. Salt was rubbed over newborn babies as a sign of cleansing and healing. Along with this idea, salt is a symbol of peace. We are not only called to bring peace, but to bring soothing and comfort to those who are in pain.

To be a saltless or tasteless disciple you are good for nothing except to be thrown out and trampled under foot. Tasteless is the word for foolish, dull, flat or deficient-to be a moron. To be the salt of the earth is to be full of wisdom. The foolish disciple has no impact on his world.

Salt adds flavor to things. Think of it this way. Jesus is to life what salt is to food. Jesus lends flavor to life and is therefore a difference-maker. It means that you as salt have the power to change the world-to flavor it.

In order to be salt it's important to understand the principle of invisibility. I view salt as the preserving, invisible presence of God. It's not what is seen; salt must be sensed! You're the salt in the world around you-the invisible presence of God among those you touch. Just by your presence there ought to be a preserving effect of purity, honesty, fairness and wholeness.

ONE MORE OBERSERVATION: Salt was added to each sacrifice offered. In fact, salt was necessary to make the sacrifice complete. There had to be the offering or sacrifice and the salt. Think of it this way. Jesus is the sacrifice. You are the salt applied to it. In other words, you as the salt of the earth are necessary to complete the ultimate, sacrificial love demonstration ever. In a real sense, you are the salt of the earth and your saltiness completes the message of love Jesus came to give.

SECRET #15? The follower of Jesus is the invisible salt of the earth-the very presence of God. You ARE the salt of the earth. How's it going?