Pass the salt.. or not!

I always enjoy my Sunday nights at church with the senior teens.  They are so much fun!  This week we discussed the very familiar passage in Matt: 5:13 "You are the salt of the earth".  I know, I know... you've heard it a million times before but read on!  For our little group our objective is always to understand the practical application. 

"How does this passage from the bible affect my everyday life in high school?"

 

So... salt... what about it? Well... Let's see.

 

It adds flavor.  It absorbs.  It melts coldness.  It creates thirst.

 

So if "you are the salt" how should that look in your life as a high school student?
Take this little test.  Rate yourself on the salt scale from 1 (not salty) to 5 (very salty).

 

Flavor: Would you put salt on your mashed potatoes if salt tasted like mashed potatoes? NO! Salt doesn't blend in, it's not the same flavor.. It's different.  Sprinkle just a little and your food comes to life.  Joyful for the taste buds! Do you blend or do you add flavor? 

 

Absorbs: I think we'd all agree teens have their share of pain and struggles.  Are you a friend to others?  Do you listen and share their struggles?  Do you show love to others even if it affects your own status and popularity? 

 

Melts coldness: It's good on our mashed potatoes (I'm an Island girl ok... 2 references to potatoes) yet it keeps us from ending up in the ditch when driving on icy Canadian winter roads.  Do you come across as icy and cold or warm and approachable by those not in your circle of friends?

 

Creates thirst: Nothing goes better with a bag of salt and vinegar chips than an ice cold Dr. Pepper!  Do you create a desire for others to know the Jesus you call your Savior?  When they hang with you do they want to know what you have that they might be missing?

 

How did you score?  If you are < 10 out of 20 possible salty points then I want to challenge you this week.  Spend time talking with God and think about his declaration that as his child you are the salt of the earth. 

Commit yourself to God afresh today.  Be a salty kinda Christian!