Proverbs 22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthrows the words of the transgressor.
Don’t take the word of the Lord for granted. Preserve the word of God that has been sown in your hearts. Cherish it as the most valuable thing you have ever owned. Matt. 13:45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. The word of the Lord that is at work in you is what is preserving you from the corruption in the world.
As ambassadors and representatives of the Kingdom of God, we are the salt of the earth. We have been ordained by the Lord to use our dash of saltiness in this earth that is filled with festering and spoiled hearts. The word of God that has preserved us from corruption and decay can also help others preserve their lives. Matt. 5:13a Ye are the salt of the earth.
You might say, “I only know a few verses of God’s word. How can I help anyone?” Those few verses you are referring to may be the very answer the person you are helping needs to change their lives entirely and head in the opposite direction of destruction. Those few verses were the salt that persevered the lost from their destruction. It is not the quantity of the word you know but the quality of the word you live by that will bring life by the salting of your love.
2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. When the Spirit of God says “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” the Holy Spirit means even the small amount of scripture you know has the power to change anything God wants fixed and loved by Him.
Salt is used to heal, preserve, control bad stenches and give flavor to foods. If God says “Please pass the salt,” He may be referring to you being poured out in or on a particular situation that smells really bad or helping a gangrene infested soul. We may be sprinkled on a sick Christian who needs healing and help with their faith to believe for the healing, because we are the salt of the earth. We may be spread across a place and time that is not in our comfort zone, where we might be asked to preserve an odious and unlikable person.
You might say, “I only know a few verses of God’s word. How can I help anyone?” Those few verses you are referring to may be the very answer the person you are helping needs to change their lives entirely and head in the opposite direction of destruction. Those few verses were the salt that persevered the lost from their destruction. It is not the quantity of the word you know but the quality of the word you live by that will bring life by the salting of your love.
2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. When the Spirit of God says “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” the Holy Spirit means even the small amount of scripture you know has the power to change anything God wants fixed and loved by Him.
Salt is used to heal, preserve, control bad stenches and give flavor to foods. If God says “Please pass the salt,” He may be referring to you being poured out in or on a particular situation that smells really bad or helping a gangrene infested soul. We may be sprinkled on a sick Christian who needs healing and help with their faith to believe for the healing, because we are the salt of the earth. We may be spread across a place and time that is not in our comfort zone, where we might be asked to preserve an odious and unlikable person.
That is the value of the salted word of God at work in our hearts, making us the blessed salt of the Kingdom of God. This is why we are to value the word of God as the most precious and valuable blessing we have ever had. The word of God preserves life. Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
There was a slave named Onesimus who had run away from Philemon who was his master. Through divine appointment, Paul (who was in prison) led Onesimus to the Lord. Paul is now sending Onesimus back to his master which could result in a death sentence because that was the fate of a runaway slave. Paul points out that the slave was once a problem slave to Philemon but now because of the born again relationship with Christ, Onesimus has turned his life around. Phm. 1:10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12 I am sending him back to you, and with him comes my own heart.
Paul points out that they are now brothers in the faith and the salt of God’s word will be needed in their relationships on both sides. Phm. 1:15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou should receive him for ever; 16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? We know that the relationship worked out because Philemon was a member of the church of the Colossians. Col. 4:9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
Paul points out that they are now brothers in the faith and the salt of God’s word will be needed in their relationships on both sides. Phm. 1:15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou should receive him for ever; 16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? We know that the relationship worked out because Philemon was a member of the church of the Colossians. Col. 4:9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.
Paul, who was the salt of the earth, preserved the life of a slave and restored relationships. What a blessing it must have been for the Colossian assembly to have a first-hand account and explanation of the letters written to them by the hand of Paul.
Onesimus, who had been preserved for the work of the Kingdom of God, could give some insight from his own relationship with Paul.
We, who are in Christ, all have this preserving power and mandate within each one of us. We give flavor and taste of what is on the table God has set for all who come to Him. Don’t ever take the word of the Lord for granted. The next time you hear the words “Please pass the salt,” you may be being prepared for a kingdom adventure. Blessings.
Onesimus, who had been preserved for the work of the Kingdom of God, could give some insight from his own relationship with Paul.
We, who are in Christ, all have this preserving power and mandate within each one of us. We give flavor and taste of what is on the table God has set for all who come to Him. Don’t ever take the word of the Lord for granted. The next time you hear the words “Please pass the salt,” you may be being prepared for a kingdom adventure. Blessings.
I like this one.