(Day 18)
We are finished studying what is
known as “the Beatitudes”. But this is not the end of the sermon, it is only
the beginning…
As we studied, the Beatitudes are the
virtues that any citizen of the Kingdom
of God
* Poor in spirit
* Willing to mourn
* Meek
* Hungers and thirsts for
righteousness
* Merciful
* Pure in heart
* Peacemaker
* Willing to be persecuted
When we practice these virtues, we
will receive spiritual blessings, and will also bless others. The Lord said
that this is how you may be “salt of the
earth” and a “light to the world”.
Today we will see what the first
analogy means, tomorrow we will see the second one…
(Matthew 5:13) 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.
Jesus compared his followers who
practice the Beatitudes in their lives with the “Salt”.
Salt has
several purposes:
a. Enhances the flavor of
food.
If you ever had the opportunity to
try any food without salt you would most certainly agree that it is insipid.
Salt helps enhance the flavor of food.
In the same manner, a believer that
only practices a “religion”, but does not live out the Word of God or let’s God
transform his heart and soul, will live a life as bland as the salt that has
lost its taste.
How many “bland” Christians are there
in the world today? They claim to be “sons of God”, yet live their lives in the
same manner as the world. It then follows that the impious are not attracted to
God, since they see no difference between those called Christians and the
world.
On the other hand, practicing a true
Christian life, accentuated by the virtues of the Beatitudes, brings blessings
to those who practice it, and serves as a testimony to the world.
Paul made an analogy between the salt
and a believer’s positive attitude.
(Colossians 4:5-6) Walk in wisdom toward
outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious,
seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
b. Helps preserve food items.
Salt prevents the decay of certain
foods. In the old times, before refrigeration was invented, people would use
salt to preserve meats.
The Bible tells us that a little leaven
corrupts a whole batch of dough. In contrast, salt prevents corruption.
In a spiritual sense, the believer
who practices the Beatitudes “purifies” his life, and sets an example to his
household, family and community.
On the other hand, if a person has
believed in the Lord, but does not transform his life, he is at risk of
contaminating himself again.
(2 Peter 2:20-21) For if, after they have
escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last
state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better
for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to
turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.
PRAYER
Lord, I do not want to live as the
world does, but I want my life to be transformed by the renewal of my mind, so
that I may do your will. I don’t want my life to be useless and tasteless, but
I want to be the “salt of the earth”. Help me and reveal me how I may practice
the Beatitudes in my life, not only for my own blessing but for the benefit of
those around me. But above all, I want Your Name to be glorified through my
life.
Lord, I want to be the salt of the
Earth.
Señor,
quiero ser sal de la Tierra.
[Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 5:13]
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