Lent 2014, Day 5: Salt & Light

The last station for reflection that Pastor Z had set up on Ash Wednesday last week was one about Salt and Light. Here we were reminded of the parable that Jesus told in Matthew 5:13-16: "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city on hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
Then these questions for asked: Have we brought out the God flavor in the world around us or do we just settle for the world's norms? Do we taste salty and does the world desire living water because of interaction with us? Do we bring the light of salvation with us when we enter a room or join a group?Have we hidden our God-given light under a bushel just to go down the path of least resistance? And as we tasted a pinch of salt and gazed into the light in the room we were to contemplate this thought: When the world experiences us, should it not say, could this be anything but a Christian, just as you're tasting and thinking, could this be anything but salt right now?
This was my favorite station... The questions really got me thinking. Do I light up a room? Well... this is almost convicting - I've never thought of this question with the light of salvation in mind. I've always hoped I did, but for more selfish reasons, more shallow reasons. It is now my hope and prayer that I bring His light where ever I go, that people notice when I walk in and think, "I want what she has" or "Where does her joy come from?" I want my brightness to direct people to Him like a lighthouse or an exit sign leads people to safety. And I hope to never hide my light or mar my reflective service with the film of fear or apprehension just because I'm among a "tough" crowd. If I truly love all His creation, I would long to shine His light on EVERYone!
And, do I add "God-flavor" to my part of the world? Are people thirsty when they get a taste of my saltiness? These questions stepped on my toes too. I can only hope a bowl full of Jessica isn't "low-sodium," but so salty you need the Bread of Life to soak it up and the Living Water to wash it down!