Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Salt 'n Pepper

Something’s been rolling around in my heart lately.

Why is it so hard to be salt in this broken world?

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth.”

What’s the purpose of salt? It’s to flavor and season. It should change the thing it’s placed upon, making it come to life!

Such is Jesus’ affirmation to us as salt. If our Christian walk has no flavor, if we blend in with the world, we are of no value. But no matter how radically independent we are, most of us have some desire to fit in. Especially when the goin’ gets tough.

Radically following Jesus can be so l.o.n.e.l.y.

So how do we pepper our faith with perspective?

In my flesh, I struggle to NOT view situations only in the present. The present is all I know. But if I truly trust God’s sovereignty (and I do), then I realize that He knows what is for my good and for His glory.

I don’t have to know about tomorrow, and I certainly don’t have to worry about it. I only need to seek Him in prayer and immerse myself in His Word.

I often think of Paul and the amazing transformation Jesus made in his life…and his desire to never turn back no.matter.what.

And sometimes I think of Peter after stepping out of the boat, walking toward Jesus when reality hits him, “Lord, save me!” That's where I'm at now. I just need Him to take my hand - no, pick me up and carry me through some days.

I really want to be radically transformed and radically dependant. Even when it brings loneliness and criticism.

I’m a long way from that, but in Paul’s words, “…if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”

Lord Jesus, please help me to be the salt of my environment, and pepper my walk with eternal perspective so that I may joyfully testify of your grace.

6 comments:

The Imperfect Sojourner said...

Oh I hear your heart Connie.
You bless me with your honesty x
It's a journey and you're certainly facing and aiming the right way... and you are salf for sure! even when you might not realize it... trust me! I'll never be able to explain what an impact you've had on me(well one day maybe we'll pull up a rock under a tree in eternity :) and I'll share!!)
Thank you

Jodi said...

Amen! HE never said this was gonna be easy - but ohhh what a feeling to know we can cry out "Lord, catch me!" and know that HE will!

Jennifer P said...

Right on, sister. Do not worry about tomorrow because today has enough troubles of its own. Hearing this from your heart tells me how salty you are because you are even thinking about it. The loneliness and criticism part is hard to understand. I get that. Yearning to be radically transformed too!!! Thanks for sharing your heart, Connie.

Jean said...

Amen and beautifully said!

Unknown said...

I just found your blog through the adoption website I was referred to. I was crying reading your adoption story. My husband and I are spirit filled pastor's in Iowa that just started the process of adoption process. Words do not describe how excited/nervous we are! Seeing your heart for adoption is an inspiration!

Thank you so much for being HIS voice!
-Beka

Laurel said...

Right. There. With. You.

I have never been so lonely in my life ... but I know that we are walking the journey God has called us to walk.

Age 50 and house still full of kids ... while my peers are celebrating empty nests.

Extra Large Family ... while the culture says "why would you want more than two?"

Homeschooling ... while my peers that do still have kids, rejoice in their "freedom" during the day.

Adoption ... after 10 bio. kids, why would we possibly want more? (because God called us to)

Yes. It is a very lonely road, but I wouldn't change the course of our journey if I had the chance. God so clearly called us to each and every one of those life choices. We want HIS BEST ... no matter how "radical" ... even though we don't "fit", even within our church.

So THANKFUL for all of my Bloggy Friends ... a place where I do "fit".

Hugs!

Laurel :)

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