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Lessons from the Heart

More than a season…


“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. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:13-14)

We live in an all-in world. We are encouraged to seize whatever opportunities we can to further our dreams, desires, and agendas. Everywhere we look in this culture, we find outside influencers trying to add their “flavors” or “seasonings” to our core beliefs. It is easy to see how we can get used to this added seasoning and perhaps expect our lives to be flavored by what we find palatable and acceptable. Seasoning comes in all sorts of variations. Some are spicy, others tangy, some build on the natural flavoring of the main dish, while others enhance or alter the flavor altogether.

Many of us think of Jesus as a seasoning in our lives. We live our lives and sprinkle a little Jesus wherever it seems appropriate. We season our lives on Sundays and toward times like Christmas and Easter. In these moments, we add a little extra “Jesus spice” to the mix to make ourselves feel warm and fuzzy.

Perhaps seeing Jesus as something we sprinkle into our lives is the wrong approach. The new life that Christ gave us through the cross should not be a footnote in our lives, rather, it should BE our new lives. Rather than a flavor that we add to how we live, following Jesus should be the main course that all other side dishes, “life” biscuits, and desired desserts, are influenced by. Jesus is not an afterthought in our new lives. He is, in fact, the purpose and point of what our salvation is based.

In the coming days and weeks that lead up to the celebration of Christmas, we should challenge ourselves to sustenance needed for our existence in the kingdom of God. Additionally, we are called to be the salt of the earth to the people around us. Our relationship with Christ should be the influencer to those around us, seasoning their worldview so they can see the hope, peace, love, and joy that can only come from a relationship with Jesus.

As we walk into Thanksgiving, let us be thankful for the fullness we have in Christ. Let us rejoice in the season as a means of recommitting ourselves to faithfulness and love as best served through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Be the salt to those around you. Shine Christ’s light on others.

Don Zlaty is pastor at the Flora United Methodist Church. see Christ as more than just a reason to season; instead, we should look to Christ and His gift of new life as the main