Salty

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. (Matthew 5:13-14).

Salt changes what it touches. Meat and vegetables taste different when salt is added. They also don't spoil as quickly. Salt remains salt—but it changes what it touches. Jesus called His followers "the salt of the earth." That is the calling of a Christian in the workplace. We are not called to become like the culture around us. We are called to influence it.

A Christian teacher should not behave like every other teacher. A Christian accountant should be distinguishable from other accountants by her character. A Christian employee should not compromise simply because "everyone does it." A Christian politician should lead with greater hope then others.

We often ask the question, "What is God doing here?" We should also ask, "What does God want me to do here?" Our presence should make a difference.

John Wesley recognized this when he wrote, "The Gospel of Christ knows of no religion but social religion; no holiness but social holiness." As Christians, we should not live in isolation from folks around us. Our faith must affect how we treat people, how we conduct business, how we exercise authority, how we use money, how we respond to injustice, and how we make decisions.

We should not be afraid to be involved in government, in business, in public education, in civil services, or in advocacy for justice. If we withdraw from the places where decisions are made, resources are allocated, people are employed, and communities are shaped, who will bring the values of God's Kingdom into those places?

But being salt is by no means easy. It will usually run counter to the prevailing culture. Thus, saltiness begins with prayer. There is no saltier prayer than the one Jesus taught us which being, "Our Father in heaven…" It asks for God's kingdom to come to this earth, and the only way it can come is through Christians.

Saltiness also takes patience. Cultures change slowly. We must trust that God is at work recognizing that his kingdom often comes in hidden forms. It's also helpful to have other Christinas supporting us, shoring us up like Aaron and Hur held up Moses's arms (cf. Exodus 17).

As you journey on, go with his blessing:

Wherever God takes you today, may He fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit and that you may live carefully—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity