Many times, we may miss certain parallels in our lives. God is continually speaking. Similar to a radio station, his voice is constantly speaking. It is really dependent upon whether or not we are tuned in to hear what he is saying. I often tune into the simple yet profound in which creation speaks. Science provides such valuable insight about the natural world. Information is gathered through observations and experiments. The human body, while created by God, has certainly been studied, observed, evaluated, reassessed and so on. What can we learn from the disciplines of science and how it relates to what God says in his word? There is so much to be explored. We never will truly fully understand, because we are so limited in our natural thinking. None the less, I am forever grateful for the work and study of those who continue to pursue ways to understand our bodies design. I am not an expert in the field, but I have an insatiable desire to learn. Greater than that, I love to find the connection between science and the word of God.
Sodium in the body is essential, both in the physical body and the church body. As we walk and mature in our walk with the Lord, we begin to see the value and significance of becoming part of his family. Not limited to any particular denomination, practice or ways in which you practice your faith. If you have served long enough, and have remained faithful, committed to your extended family in the faith, you will soon start to see how God designed it for us to flourish. Try as we might, we will always miss the mark. Similar to familial disputes, we will also brush elbows with others, bringing out the worst in ourselves. Thus, serving as a constant reminder that we are a dysfunctional family with sibling rivalry.
Growing up in my household, we all had a certain responsibility to help our household function. Whether it was taking out the trash, or what my father referred to as, “dish detail”. We all contributed. It eased the tasks of everyday living and caused us to be better equipped for adulthood. In a similar manner, God outlined his design for the church body. Each of play a significant role in becoming one body. 1 Corinthians chapter 12 explains how we are meant to be one body with many parts. In order to thrive and be effective in our communities, the whole body is designed to work together, “One body, many parts.” Similar to our human bodies, each organ must do what its designed to do, in order for it to run efficiently.
There is much to be said about salt in both our human bodies, as well as the body of Christ. Each organ requires a specific amount of sodium and balance to function properly. In the same manner, each member of the body of Christ is responsible for his or her salt intake. Matthew 5:13-16 “you are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?” Verse 14 explains what salt is intended for as it makes a parallel to the being the light of the world. We see the comparison between salt and light.
What does this light and salt look like? Salt serves a variety of purposes, but we know that it does not equate to physical light. So, what does Matthew imply with the body of believers? My first thought when I hear the term salt is flavor! One of my favorite purposes for salt is to cook, bringing out the flavor of Porterhouse steak or bumping up the desire for green beans. A little salt goes a long way! But what happens when salt loses its flavor? It no longer becomes desirable. What then happens when members of the body lose their saltiness? The church body no longer becomes desirable.
One body, many parts, right? So, I would pose a question to all of my fellow members in the body of Christ, what’s in your saltshaker? We each hold something so valuable and tangible to promote the kingdom of God on this side of heaven, yet I can’t be responsible for your salt and you can’t take care of mine. One body has one purpose! The ultimate goal is reflective of what God’s heartbeat is for all of humanity. “That none would perish but all would have everlasting life”. During this time in our history of COVID 19, we have the privilege and obligation to take care of our saltshaker to provide the proper balance for yourself and the body of Christ. In this series I’d like to take a deeper look into how to preserve our saltshaker and how to bring back its flavor. Stay tuned for there is more about salt coming your way!
IN DEEP WATERS 