Salt and Fries

"You are the salt of the earth.  But if the salt loses its savor, how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men," Matthew 5:13.

While speaking to a little girl today in the baptismal waters, my husband - the pastor - mentioned to her that as a Believer, she is the salt of the earth.  Trying to further explain, he mentioned how salt flavors everything it touches.  He added, "like your French fries."  In other words, as a Believer, that little one is to allow Christ to use her to make a difference in the lives around her.  Her life was to not only exhibit change, but to ENACT change. 

I guess my stomach was growling, because my thought processes went further with the fries.  So, you know how your French fries taste WITH salt, right?  Okay, so how do your French fries taste WITHOUT?  Pretty bland, huh?  There's not much worse than a soggy, unsalted, tasteless French fry. 

Do you get the analogy?  You and I - as Believers - are the salt of the earth, and as true Believers, we change people and things around us, just by being who Christ created us to be.  However, if we choose to lose our saltiness through allowing sin into our lives, then we will not be effective for Christ.  We will not ENACT change.  Our life is good for nothing.  Empty.  

I don't want to be unfruitful with my life.  Do you?  I didn't think so.  What do you say that you and I simply BE who we were created to be - salt - without additives, without dirt, without the gunk of sin. 

Now, who's ready for some French fries!

Thank You Father.  Help me to allow You to ENACT change in the lives of others around me through my faith in Jesus Christ.   

The "Other" Christmas Gift

"And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord'"  Luke 2:10-11.

That passage is read more this time of year than probably any other time.  However, the older I get, the more I think it should be read all throughout the year and not just at Christmas.   

You see, Luke 2:10-11 speak not just of the salvation provided by Christ through His birth, but also of another amazing gift afforded to us who live far to the right side of the timeline. 

I'll give you a hint.  What else does the angel say, apart from the actual birth announcement?  Look closely.  It's two little words at the very beginning.   

You got it, didn't you?  That's right; Fear not. 

Because Christ came in the fullness of time, we have nothing to fear.  Nothing.  No doubt.  No struggle.  No person.  No cancer.  Nothing.  Christ's birth not only brought us salvation, but it brought us "fear-less-ness." 

"But Belinda, you don't know what I'm facing.  You don't know how I am being bombarded - even now - at a time when I should be excited about Christmas.  You have no idea.  How can I NOT fear?" 

Well, you're right.  I don't know what you are facing.  I'm sure it is scary.  If it helps at all, we all have those things in our lives that grip our heart and make our blood pump so fast our head spins.  Yet, I have found that when I focus on those things, nothing gets any better.  Instead, it only gets worse. 

So in those times of fear in my own life, when I don't feel very "fear-less," I need to remember to "fear not." 

Care to join me? 

Father, help me to truly realize You are WITH me...that You will never leave me or forsake me...that nothing can touch me that doesn't come through Your hand and is in Your control.  Please replace my anxiety and fearfulness with peace and fearlessness.  In Your Name...Jesus.