Hosanna Restoration Church

What is going through your mind as you begin to read this gathering of words? Stop for just a moment and consider your flavor. Okay, now let’s go on. I asked you to do that, because it was exactly what I felt I had to do before I went any further. I stopped to consider what my flavor was like this morning. Was I kind to my wife? I did pretty well this morning! I brought her coffee and stayed out of her way while she got ready for church. I did pretty well with the children too, so it has been successful day for the most part.

Did I have to cast down some thoughts keep a hold on my mouth? Of course I did! The Holy Spirit was serious when He said to “work” out my own salvation. It is up to me to make sure that my salt does not lose its flavor. I can’t blame anyone else if don’t walk in the light. Jesus is the Light and I need to keep my eyes on Him. What are some things that we can do to maintain our flavor? Well the bible is full of directions, but let’s just look at what preceded this admonition from Jesus and we will find a few great ideas.

In verse 34 we find the disciples not wanting to tell Jesus what they were talking about, because they were caught up in an argument about who was the greatest among them. Jesus new what they were talking about, so he gave them a great word to chew on. He told them that if they wanted to be great, then they must humble themselves and be a great servant of everyone else. Two things are made clear here. First, Jesus always knows what we are saying, thinking, and doing. Nothing is hidden from Him so we can’t pretend to be salty. Second, how can I tell if I am being salty? All I have to do is ask if I am serving myself or serving the other person.

In verse 36 Jesus points out the importance of welcoming and caring for little children. This of course includes not only young children age wise, but also welcoming new believers into the kingdom of God and helping them grow, not knocking them down because they don’t have it all together like we do! Let’s face it; none of us have it “all together.”

Next Jesus reminds us that we need to be careful about rejecting others who are not in our click. In other words, if they love Jesus, they are family. We may learn from them, or if we are salty, we may be able to help season their lives. We just need to make sure that we don’t intentionally offend them and hinder their faith.

Finally Jesus tells us to do whatever it takes to prepare for the Kingdom of God. Get rid of sin and things that lead us to it. Don’t tolerate things that remove your salt. Jesus is coming. We don’t know the day or the hour, but we know it is true. Faithful people are salty people. Let’s make sure that when He comes He finds us salty and faithful.