Mac N Cheese
Jeremy Smith
In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus is teaching the disciples and others about what it will be like if you are a follower of Christ. Jesus has just finished up the Beatitudes and let the disciples know that they will be persecuted for their beliefs. He then says in 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 is referring to the believer as “salt of the earth” or honest people. Jesus is encouraging us, as believers, to be genuine and truthful. By giving a call for us to follow Him, Jesus is leaving an invitation for us to be from the world, but not like the world. Jesus did not come to the earth and fake it to make it. Jesus gave us a very real example of what we should aspire to be in our daily lives.
For us, as believers, to take a stand for our beliefs has not been a traditionally easy task. It would be much simpler to take the easy route and fall into line with how society views it. It is easy to be rude or hostile towards others; it is not so easy to show love and kindness. It is not a struggle to comment on others and tear them down versus giving a compliment to someone else who is doing a good job. It matters to take an extra couple of seconds in the day to really, truly show others the undeserved love or kindness we have been shown from God.
When I was on vacation recently, or what I was hoping would be a vacation, I did not anticipate having my 5-year-old daughter also home from school sick. Despite my intended plans, I figured it would be a long weekend for the both of us. That peaceful thought of having some extra time with our youngest was quickly dashed about five minutes after my wife took the other kids to school. I was awakened to the bed violently shaking and a crazy demand for “mac and cheese, now!” I tried to suggest maybe we eat something such as cereal, yogurt, or fruit to no avail. Next thing you know, I am at the stove, 8:20 AM, making mac and cheese for breakfast. The worst part for me - it was not even real mac and cheese. She prefers the blue box, with the fake cheese. I was reminded that being “salt” starts at home.
Are you being real or are you faking it? As the verse said if your salt has lost its flavor, “It is no longer good for anything.” If there is even a slight question, then start today with repenting and clearing everything up between yourself and God. God can provide forgiveness that will make you like a brand new container, full and ready to go.
Jeremy Smith
In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus is teaching the disciples and others about what it will be like if you are a follower of Christ. Jesus has just finished up the Beatitudes and let the disciples know that they will be persecuted for their beliefs. He then says in 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 is referring to the believer as “salt of the earth” or honest people. Jesus is encouraging us, as believers, to be genuine and truthful. By giving a call for us to follow Him, Jesus is leaving an invitation for us to be from the world, but not like the world. Jesus did not come to the earth and fake it to make it. Jesus gave us a very real example of what we should aspire to be in our daily lives.
For us, as believers, to take a stand for our beliefs has not been a traditionally easy task. It would be much simpler to take the easy route and fall into line with how society views it. It is easy to be rude or hostile towards others; it is not so easy to show love and kindness. It is not a struggle to comment on others and tear them down versus giving a compliment to someone else who is doing a good job. It matters to take an extra couple of seconds in the day to really, truly show others the undeserved love or kindness we have been shown from God.
When I was on vacation recently, or what I was hoping would be a vacation, I did not anticipate having my 5-year-old daughter also home from school sick. Despite my intended plans, I figured it would be a long weekend for the both of us. That peaceful thought of having some extra time with our youngest was quickly dashed about five minutes after my wife took the other kids to school. I was awakened to the bed violently shaking and a crazy demand for “mac and cheese, now!” I tried to suggest maybe we eat something such as cereal, yogurt, or fruit to no avail. Next thing you know, I am at the stove, 8:20 AM, making mac and cheese for breakfast. The worst part for me - it was not even real mac and cheese. She prefers the blue box, with the fake cheese. I was reminded that being “salt” starts at home.
Are you being real or are you faking it? As the verse said if your salt has lost its flavor, “It is no longer good for anything.” If there is even a slight question, then start today with repenting and clearing everything up between yourself and God. God can provide forgiveness that will make you like a brand new container, full and ready to go.
Posted in Sermon on the Mount
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