"Salt of the Earth"
Have you ever heard someone say "they are the salt of the earth". Maybe they were talking about you. If so, what a great compliment. This usually means someone who is very good, honest, reasonable, friendly, dependable, and straightforward. Just an all around good person. (It is not to be confused with someone from the South saying, "Bless your heart", which is the opposite. lol) In the Sermon on the Mount, in Matthew 5:13, Jesus tells us, "You are the salt of the earth." He is emphasizing the positive influence and impact that those who follow Him should have on their world. Transformers. Change Agents. Difference Makers. World Changers. Wow! What a challenge, but even more, what a privilege!
Salt, in Biblical times, was extremely important. It had so many uses. Preservation, seasoning, disinfectant, currency, and medicinal purposes. It was used in sacrifices and was symbolic of loyalty, fidelity, usefulness, purification, value, and more. It was significant. For the past few Sundays we have looked at the journey of Joseph and how "God was with him" - in all things and at all times. Good and bad. But these times were what helped mold Joseph into the incredible leader that he was. And he was one of the best of all time. And how did he get there? By being faithful, trusting, depending on his relationship with God. And by being the "salt of the earth", knowing God was in control, and open to and allowing God to use him in very unexpected and even at times confusing and uncomfortable ways. And He did! And it was very Significant!
The salt reference in the Sermon on the Mount comes directly after the Beatitudes (which means supreme happiness from being blessed) and just before the analogy of being the light of the world. Again, it is significant. Jesus reminds us too that when salt loses its saltiness it's pretty much useless. It is to be tossed out, mixed with waste, or thrown on the ground and trampled on. He tells us that we are to be "the Salt of the Earth". To make a difference. To be significant, and help others realize that they are too. I challenge you to remember how significant you are and what a privilege you have to help others realize how significant they are too. Don't waste the opportunity. You don't want to become useless and waste away. Instead, be a difference maker, a game changer. Be Significant! (Because you ARE!)
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet." Matthew 5:13 (ESV)
Speaking of being significant, please keep Matt Blount consistently in your prayers this week. Half of his Team had to back out of the trip. So it is he and John who have made it to Uganda. And God is already doing some pretty, unexpected, salt of the earth things. (I hope you are following Charity's texts.)
Also, please keep Lori Leachman in your consistent prayers this week too. Lori is a prime example of another person who is the "salt of the earth" and is used by God in some not so fun, yet very powerful and impactful ways, especially with her journey with cancer. Lori will have surgery this week and then will be in recovery while she heals. Significant!
I am so excited about what God is doing at FCC. There is a lot going on. On Wednesday nights, Michael Card is leading a study on the oldest book of the Bible, Job. This is a great study on the life of one of the true Old Testament heroes who gives us all hope - even in the most difficult situations. This study is at 6:30 in the Worship Center. All are invited.
On Saturday, September 28, it will be time for our Annual Celebration of Music In the Vale. We need everyone's help to make this special event, a thank you to our community, the best it can be. There is a place for everyone: donations, cooks, desserts, food, drink, greeting, set up, clean up, music, and more. You Are Needed!
Patti Morena, is participating in the "Bike to Jack and Back" Fundraiser for MS. This awesome event is a two day bike ride, of 45 and 75 miles. It will culminate in Lynchburg, the home of Jack Daniels. Patti and I know several who have or had MS, and are personally supporting and thanking Patti for allowing us to do so. Just another example of how our FCC Family continues to be difference makers making a positive impact in our world! Another example of significant "salt of the earth" action.
(Here is the link for the ride if you want more information: 30th Annual MS Bike to Jack and Back. https://events.nationalmssociety.org/participant/474670)
This Sunday we will wrap up our study on Joseph. Prior to Worship there is a Bible Study on Proverbs. And following Worship we will gather together for our Southern Sunday Supper Potluck. I am sure there will be some very good eating! There always is. Also, Bobby Nesser is continuing to take pictures of our Family and Friends. If you have not had yours made yet, please do this Sunday.
Again, I challenge you to be "The Salt of the Earth". Be Significant! I will see you Sunday. And, Always Remember...
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
"More in '24
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)