These Pretzels Are Making Me Thirsty!

Anyone familiar with Seinfeld is already expecting this lesson to be one giant pop-culture reference. In reality this lesson is about being the salt of the earth that Jesus instructs us to be. This lesson was given September 29, 2010.

Enjoy!

Jesus in the Sermon on the mount in Matthew 5:13 states: “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”

Jesus here is talking about flavor and seasoning. Previously in verse 6, he also says “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.”

Salt can help with both of those things.

Salt’s unique attributes bring out the flavor in so many dishes, and it’s often used in combination with ingredients that most would probably never put with it.

Take for instance how the saltiness of peanut butter in a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup combines with the sweetness of the chocolate to make a tasty treat that’s loved by just about everyone.

And the salt on a pretzel not only makes that bland dough delicious, it makes you thirsty too.

We as Christians are to be like salt and live our lives in such a way as to make people thirsty spiritually and realize that the word isn’t really that hard to swallow.

The phrase “you are the only bible that some people will ever read” is said so often that it’s practically become a cliché, but clichés are repeated for a reason, they have a lot of truth in them.

Our attitude towards Worship and following God’s commands is an often unseen influence everyone around us.

Do we seem eager to go to worship or bible study? Do we “desire the pure milk of the word” as Peter describes in 1 Peter 2:2, or is it a hassle that we deal with because it’s what we know we have to do?

When we go through struggles in life, do we shake our fist and blame God, or do we praise Him for giving us the opportunity to grow?

James 1:2-3 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

1 Peter 3:15 reads “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”

Why would anyone ask us for the reason if they never see the hope in us in the first place?

In John 10:10 Jesus says that he came to give us life more abundant than we could ever have, shouldn’t we be showing everyone around us just how abundant that life is?

Recently I discovered a new hobby, and I’m sure Christina, David, and Jeremy will attest to the fact that since I’ve discovered it I can’t stop talking about it. I’ve probably driven them a little crazy by talking about it so much. The thing is, I’m aware of how much I talk about it, and I’ve tried to dial it back a bit, but I’m excited about it and so that enthusiasm bubbles over into everyday conversation.

This should be how we are with our Christianity. People should be able to see that it is the source of all the energy and excitement we have in our life. They should see that it’s not the shackles of “can’ts” or “thou shalt nots,” but instead the freedom from the filth of sin.

Christians, do you show people — on a day to day basis — how God and Jesus have changed your life by washing away your sins? Or have you let sin once again become master and its filth has taken the seasoning out of your saltiness? Take the time now to repent of those sins, return to the path of abundant life that God has laid for you.

Those of you that aren’t Christians, you’re missing out on the most exciting life you could ever live. You need only believe, repent, confess, and be baptized to receive it and begin helping the rest of us provide flavor to the world.

Come as we now stand and sing.