Thursday, January 28, 2010

Pass the Salt


Smoking. Not the kind that is hazardous to your health. But the kind that involves cooking meat low and slow. Loosely defined, that’s cooking at a low temperature for several hours. A few months ago, my husband, Steve, purchased a Weber smoker because he enjoys all things barbecue. Big on research, Steve had studied out the smoking process and was ready to test out his knowledge on a pork shoulder.


That first pork shoulder couldn’t have been more delicious. My husband had added the perfect combination of spices to create a mouth-watering rub. The smoker had rendered the meat so tender that the pulling process was a breeze. Pulled pork that should have lasted for several days was devoured within two days. The proper combination of tantalizing spices along with the appropriate amount of cook time, yielded the perfect product. We were eager to eat the pork and boy, was it satisfying!


We’re a little like that perfectly seasoned ‘pork shoulder.’ Sounds a bit crazy, right? Maybe not so crazy when you think about it in light of the gospel of Matthew. Jesus challenges us with these words, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted” (Matthew 5:13; KJV)? See the connection?


Just like the affect of the smoke on the meat during the extended cooking time, when we’ve spent time with the Master in Bible study and prayer, our hearts begin to change, the tenderizing process has begun, and we begin to reflect His light and His aroma to those around us. Salt acts as a preservative on meat. When we’re ‘spiced’ by the Truth, we can share the ultimate ‘preservative’ that has the ability to maintain, protect and prevent spiritual decay.


What a precious commodity we’ve been given! Jesus Christ and the truth of His Word. Will I be faithful with what I’ve been given and remain ‘salty’ in order to speak “the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15a)? Or will I keep the ‘salt’ to myself? Christ desires to use me. With the proper combination of spending time with Him and allowing myself to be the saltshaker, others will ultimately be pointed to and satisfied by my loving Heavenly Father. My prayer is to bear the sweet aroma of my Savior and to ‘pass the salt.’ What about you?

10 comments:

  1. Great post! I'm praying we all submit to Jesus living in and through us daily!
    God bless!
    Cherie

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  2. Maria, thank you for your prayers. I felt them in my spirit. Halleujah!

    This is such a true post. I've spent the past few days in serious prayer, time in the Word, and last night at church I felt my Help. Today I feel the pressure lifted and though my circumstance hasn't changed I have the peace of God.

    Setting my mind on Him and giving Him my undivided attention, surrender, and trust ushered me into His presence like never before.

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  3. That's so my desire Maria. I find it a privilege at just the thought of being a representative of the Almighty God.

    blessings
    Vickie

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  4. Me too! Good post. Now I'm hungry:)

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  5. To be a sweet aroma is my desire too! Thanks for the reminder, and for being the fragrance of Christ to me :)

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  6. Thank you Maria, yet again you inspire. I so want to strike that right balance. You are a blessings. ♥♥♥
    PS: I want to come and taste the next smoked shoulder of pork! ;)

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  7. Cherie - Thanks for your words of encouragement! Great prayer to pray for each of us to submit to the Lord working in and through us, on a daily basis! God bless!

    Tamika - So glad to hear that the Lord has given you peace in the midst of your circumstances! I'll continue praying for you and for His perfect will to be accomplished. Rest in His strength! Blessings to you!

    Vickie - I know what you mean! What a privilege to be ambassadors for the King of Kings! Brought to mind a great verse: 1 Thess. 2:4 "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts." Wow! Hope you have a fantastic weekend, spent in His presence!

    Karen - I have to tell you that the pulled pork was amazing!! Where do you live? Maybe I can send you a care package!! :) God bless!

    Dorothy - Thanks for your kind words! I'm so thankful for the blessing of meeting you in the on-line writing course! You've been a constant encouragement and a sweet sister in Christ. You definitely give off the sweet aroma of our Savior! Hugs and blessings to you!

    Raymonde - You're the blessing, sweet lady! I'm so glad our paths crossed several months ago. I've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you and pray for your family. Anytime you come to the states, know that you're welcome in Georgia and a smoked pork shoulder will be on the menu!! (I'm serious!!) God bless you!!

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  8. Maria,
    Thanks for your comment today over at Eternity Cafe. You're such a blessing.

    Great post here! I'm writing a book about our identity in Christ - one chapter being "i am salt".
    Interesting thing - Jesus said that we should not lose our saltiness. In learning about salt, I discovered that salt is one of the most stable substances on earth and the only way it loses its saltiness is by comingling with other substances (like sand in bible times). To remain pure is the only way to remain salty and fulfill the calling to be a preservative and flavor enhancer in others.
    Susan

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  9. Susan - Thanks for stopping by and for following my blog! Welcome! Your book sounds fantastic! Please keep me posted as to when it will be published. What an interesting fact about salt! I love your comment, "To remain pure is the only way to remain salty and fulfill the calling to be a preservative and flavor enhancer in others." Excellent words of wisdom to live by! Thanks for sharing and have a blessed weekend! :)

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  10. Maria thanks so much for the times you have lifted my Christopher up to the MASTER. It means so very much knowing that my blogging pals are praying for him. I feel true peace about it most days. Sometimes the devil tries to take that peace away, but I won't let him. I won't lose my saltiness. =)

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