Being Salty

The community where we live has a monthly dinner, each with a theme. Last night was “Pub Night” and I worried about salt because it affects my health. However, the food was amazing and not overly salty. By God’s design, today’s devotional reading gave me this:

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:13–16)

I’m to be the “salt of the earth” and that is not garlic, paprika, or sugar. Jesus used salt to illustrate my role as one who preserves and fends off decay, who heals and soothes with medicinal value and who brings flavor and enhances other flavors. Yet salt only “works” when it’s out of the saltshaker. I cannot hide in my sewing room, or leave this to others by doing my own thing. 

These verses talk about losing saltiness, not just a word to me but the entire church family must guard against a loss of vision, passion and flavor. This happens when we do not deal with the sin remaining in us. Lest anyone think there is none, note what Paul wrote:

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. (Philippians 3:12)
But I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. (Romans 7:23)

Jesus even said we must pray asking God to “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12) and John wrote: 

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8–9)

Other NT passages tell me to put to death the deeds of the body meaning what is earthly or sinful in me. I will not be perfect (like Jesus) until I see Him face to face, but I cannot be complacent about this battle lest I lose whatever “salt” He has put in me.

This goes for the entire family of God. I pray for others who are in this battle, and also for those who have not yet received the righteousness that comes by faith. Some are continually paralyzed by guilt and constantly assaulted by “the accuser of the brethren” about real and imaginary failures. They need to remember, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

Others are troubled by old wounds, pain and grief, abuse or other trauma. They need wisdom, love, patience and kindness, all fruit of God’s Spirit. 

Some struggle with obsessions and addictions such as pornography and other sexual entanglements, chemical and drug abuse, eating disorders, self-righteousness and legalism, greed, gossip, preoccupation with physical beauty, and so many other conditions for which the gospel alone provides sufficient power and grace to overcome.

Others are burdened by the demands of caregiving or other situations that deplete them emotionally, financially, spiritually, and physically. Salty Christians must pray for those who have lost their zest for life by the struggles of life.

PRAY: Lord, I have much on my heart and much to pray about. Fill me with the hope of the gospel and the energy of faith that trusts You for all needs, mine and others. I sometimes ask God to make me be salt and light to the unsaved, but I realize that Your dear children also need salt and light, as well as support in prayer. We are in this together. Stir our heats, restoring all of us to full gospel sanity, full joy in You and in Your plan for us, for our church, and the world around us.

Does God need me to make Him happy?

Today’s devotional reading says that every Christian wants to please and honor God. While honoring Him is fitting, I’m wondering if the idea of pleasing God is a fleshy one based on human pride. Does God need anything from me? Can I do anything that I can pat myself on the back for and say that I’ve made God happy? This passage comes to mind:

Jesus also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9–14)

As the devotional writer says, self-disciplined people can obey laws, fast, give tithes, and do all sorts of good things, but that does not mean much. We can physically separate ourselves from the world, alter our dress code, change our outward habits and live in seclusion from the world and be distinct, but those things take only self-discipline, not grace. Consider moralists and monks, or some of the cults.

Some say we please God by keeping God's laws, but the Bible says the law was given to show us how far short we fall. No one can do it. Sincerity does not make it so. Only Jesus did this and lived a sinless life.

I remember one elderly man who claimed that he never sinned. He must have skipped reading this:

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8–9)

This man was sincere. He claimed that sin dishonored the power of the gospel, yet as John wrote, self-deception does the same thing. The truth is, our old nature may be dead to God but it is still able to affect my thinking and ruin my behavior.

The only true standard of holiness is the Lord Jesus Christ. When I look at His life, I’m fully aware of the futility of trying to live a holy life myself. The Bible is clear; Jesus is my holiness. All who believe in Him and trust His righteousness, his blood, his grace and his intercession are honoring God. If I think I can please Him apart from faith in Christ, then I am pridefully putting myself on a pedestal and speaking from flesh not faith.

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

PRAY: Jesus, You are my righteousness and holiness. You grant faith and all the rewards of trusting You. That means any goodness in me is from You. Not only that, You are complete and need no one to perfect Your joy or anything about You. Even if I obey You and feel pleasure, it is You being glad that I have done it — glad for my sake. You want me to trust You. Faith is how You want me to live and how You enable me through the power of Your Spirit to fit into Your plan for my life. You also allow me to feel Your joy — because You have even given me Your mind. All who believe You, all who trust Your righteousness and Your promises please and honor You for God is pleased with You and You are pleased to live in me. How amazing!

Empty and Filled

Forty plus years ago, God called my husband to Himself. He responded to the gospel at the end of a sermon in a legalist church. Soon after, he decided we should go to another church and there he attended a class called, “Fundamentals of the Faith.” This was helpful. One of the elders in that church also offered instruction concerning his walk with the Lord.

He illustrated his point with an upright glass, saying that God would fill our lives with the Holy Spirit as long as that glass was empty of sin. However, if we disobey God, the glass would ‘tip over’ and no longer be ruled by the Lord’s fullness. This man tipped the glass. Then he said the next thing to be done was confessing the sin and repenting. The glass was again turned up, empty and filled by God’s Spirit. He added as he repeated the tipping and upright motions, “You can expect this, yet as you keep doing your part, you will stay upright longer” indicating that being filled and controlled by the Holy Spirit depended on keeping short accounts with God concerning sin.

Both of us learned another truth, this time illustrated by pruning a tree. God begins with the obvious sin, the ‘dead big branches’ and it seems like an axe. Then He switches to the not so obvious and uses a pruning knife, eventually working to the sins that most people do not notice and cutting the useless twigs out with a scalpel. Both these illustrations are NT principles. A few verses:

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, (Ephesians 5:15–18)
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8–9)
  “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:1–2)

Being filled with the Spirit is not a matter of choice, but a matter of being emptied of anything else that would rule my life. Simple I-wants, being occupied with worldly matters, having my own agenda, rejecting the known will of God to do my own thing, even if it is not considered sinful. These reflect an attitude of not trusting God to run my life.

Today my body is tired and the to-do list is long. I’ve a meeting at 1:00 and a group Bible study this evening. Right now, I’d rather go back to bed and forget both things, never mind the chore list. Yet I need to listen to Jesus. He said, “Not my will but Thine be done” and under far greater pressure to tip over than my paltry excuses.

PRAY: Jesus, years ago You made us aware that there would be days like this. I can think of many excuses to stay home, if not just the depth of the snow and the icy roads. But out of love for Your Father and for a sin-filled world, You stayed at the place You were called to stay, and then suffered for me. Doing what You want me to do today is nada compared to that. I am such a whiner. Forgive me. Truly I need the fullness of Your Spirit, even if, and especially when I do not feel like moving forward into doing what You ask, even when those tasks will no doubt be totally enjoyable. I cannot will You to fill me, only confess that I’m up to here with a bad attitude and confess it so You can clean out my cup and set me upright and ready to move with You.

 

Mercy and grace: much needed

I’m a pessimist. I’ve tried to change, but still tend toward negativity before seeing the upside of situations. However, it is safe to conclude that God uses negativity; all the OT prophets were black and white pessimists. They saw the danger and evil in their world and preached against it. In the plan of God, this is far more important and truthful than telling sinners “don’t worry, be happy.”

When I read the news, being pessimistic is easy. My news app on Windows 10 allows feeds according to interests. I’ve put in “inspiring news” and even those clips are often bad news. My heart is heavy, yet bad news gives me fodder for prayer.

The state of the church does that too. While many congregations are vibrant and growing in faith, there are others who have tripped along the way, falling into various problems that have distracted them from their purpose. I’m quick to spot this in groups and individuals. My challenge is to pray rather than criticize.

Today’s Scripture describes how this was not unusual in the past. The psalmist saw a need in God’s people and like I’ve learned, he pleads to God for revival:

“Lord, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin. Selah You withdrew all your wrath; you turned from your hot anger. Restore us again, O God of our salvation, and put away your indignation toward us! Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations? Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation. Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. Faithfulness springs up from the ground, and righteousness looks down from the sky. Yes, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase. Righteousness will go before him and make his footsteps a way.” (Psalm 85:1–13)

They started out well. God had forgiven their sin and blessed their lives. However, something happened that angered God about their behavior. While the psalmist does not list their sins, their history includes going their own way without consulting Him and falling into idol worship. For this and all other sin, the psalmist asks for a return to their former relationship with God. It began with His love and mercy toward them, which enabled them to love Him and be merciful to one another. He spoke peace to them and in His love and righteousness, they responded with faithfulness. Unfortunately, they did not stay in this attitude.

The psalmist might have preached to the people, but he knew that “pulling up their socks” does not work. We cannot save ourselves, nor can we revive ourselves when we fall into sin. Salvation is of God. O Lord, show us Your love and grant us your salvation.

^^^^^^^^^^^

Jesus, I have been praying for revival and You have answered by working on my own heart. I’ve seen sin in me that I never realized was there. This reveals to me that the people I pray for are likely as blind to their own need as I have been. We need You to open our eyes and our hearts so that we see our sins and repent, no matter what they are. I know that if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us, but if we confess our sins, You are is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored! Renew our days as of old and bring us back to our first love.

Humility vs. pride

One thing important in becoming what God wants me to be is that I cannot do it on the outside. Obedience has to be from the heart. Perhaps others can fake it, but I’ve found out many times that I cannot.

The Lord commands me to love Him with all my heart, soul and strength, and to love my neighbors as myself. I’ve heard some say how much they love people, but I honestly cannot say that. At times, my love for God is not one 100 percent either, or I would obey Him and be thankful all the time.

Last week I read a book about the impact of words and the importance of speaking well about people. The Lord convicted me of those times I’ve inwardly complained about others and verbally expressed my complaints. I confessed my bad attitudes and inappropriate speaking, hoping that would be the end of it.

But I found myself feeling annoyed with someone yesterday. I tried not to say anything, and didn’t do too badly with my mouth, but went to bed with that irritation in my heart. Even as I write this, I’m thinking that I just have to speak against that person, more evidence that what is in the heart will eventually come out.

But God knows what I need. He does not deal with the other person (as I wish He would), but gives me these verses from today’s devotional reading.

You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the LORD. You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him. You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:16–18)

As I read this Old Testament Law, it’s beyond me how anyone can think they could be saved by keeping God’s Law. This one alone would condemn most of us. It certainly nails me to the wall. I might be able to keep my mouth shut about the way I feel (or more likely not), but the attitude of the heart condemns me anyway. Jesus even said that anyone who hates is the same as a murderer, and out of the heart comes all the garbage that shows humanity to be sinful.

So what can I do with this? Each time the crud comes up from within, I need to bring it to Jesus. Obviously, I cannot save myself.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8–9)

Jesus forgives and cleanses. This means that yesterday’s attitude can be taken from me, yet I know that is only the fruit of something deeper. In my heart, there is a propensity to pride, to make myself look good at the expense of anyone I can talk about that doesn’t look good. Instead of merely shutting my mouth when annoyed, or instead of never becoming annoyed, the deeper problem is a lack of humility. I think that others should treat me better because I am better? Yeah, right. If anything is beyond faking, it is humility.

These verses offer one other course of action. “Reason frankly with your neighbor.” That is another way of saying what the New Testament affirms. If someone sins against me, I’m to talk to them . . . not to anyone or everyone else, but bring the issue to the person who offended me. This is much more difficult than it sounds because the Lord forbids that I jump all over that person with accusation and condemnation. Instead, I’m to deeply desire that neither the offender nor I are caught up in sin. Speaking to that person cannot be done with revenge in mind either. I know if I am angry with someone, I cannot “reason frankly” at all. Clearly, the problem at this point is with my responses and my heart, not with the other person’s actions.

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Lord, this lump of clay seems destined to never become a lovely jar. You keep me on Your wheel, shaping and working out the lumps until I feel dizzy, even discouraged that I will never please You or get it right. What else is there to say? You are correct in Your words and Your warnings. Have mercy on me. You know what I need.

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To Live is Christ — yet I still must confess my sin

Yesterday’s struggle is no more. It was not that I yielded up my will. All I did was confess my sinful attitude, and God does what He always does. He changed my heart.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8–9)

Many times I have behaved as if I were the Savior. I became aware of sin and tried really hard to overcome it, but that does not work. For one thing, it misses a step. Without confession, there is no forgiveness. God will not help me overcome unless I acknowledge to Him (and agree with Him) what I have done.

In confession, I cannot merely mouth the words. I’m also to think the way He thinks about sin. One clue about that is in Jeremiah . . .  

Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard its spots? Then may you also do good who are accustomed to do evil. (Jeremiah 13:23)

No human being can save themselves. Even those who possess eternal life and have Jesus Christ living in them still need the power of God to do overcome temptation and sin. When I violate the will of God, He will give me that power, but I first have to confess (say the same thing) as He does about whatever I have done.

I also have to admit my helplessness. Part of trying to fix things on my own is a form of God-playing, and that is quite the opposite of faith and salvation by grace. I am not God.

Today will bring new challenges, but His message to me is always the same. He is the Savior and I am the sinner. As long as I keep that straight, I can move on and have His grace to do whatever He asks. He also grants the ability to rejoice in His will.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. He forgives all my iniquities. He heals all my diseases, He redeems my life from destruction. He crowns me with lovingkindness and tender mercies. He satisfies my mouth with good things, so that my youth is renewed like the eagle’s . . . Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me. (My paraphrase based mostly on Psalm 103:2–5)