“Seasoned with salt”

There was a knock on my door in the early evening. When I answered it, I found two well-dressed young men. Their badges identified them as elders in the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) doing missionary work. I was not interested in their message, but I admire their determination! In our time, I do not think that knocking on doors looking to have a discussion about religion is a very effective way to share the Gospel. But, God requires that everyone of us engage in the work of representing Christ Jesus. Let me ask a pointed question. When was the last time you had a real conversation about Christ with someone outside of church?

This work need not be forced or artificial.  If I met you on the street and you knew I had been to Washington, DC to have lunch with the President the previous day, what would be the first thing you would ask?  You would want to know what kind of man he is, what he said, if I met his wife; wouldn’t you?  If we are living intimately with Christ, with a fresh experience of His goodness, there will be a noticeable quality to our lives that will invite conversations about Him! The Bible says, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:4-6, NIV)  Make your daily talk lively and attractive! That’s what the metaphor ‘seasoned with salt’ means. Don’t fall into the habit of gossip and griping! Don’t get lost in idle chatter about nothing. Let Christ so fill your being that others are drawn to the spark of life.

The work of evangelism is not about ‘fixing’ other people nor is it about turning others into a “Jesus” project. It is not about judging behaviors, judging who is lost or saved, or adding notches to our Gospel gun belt! Our high calling is to represent the Lord Jesus in such a winsome way that we invite people to get to know the Father from whom they are estranged. "We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:20, NIV)

Last Sunday I had the opportunity to talk with a young couple who recently gave their lives to Christ and were baptized. Their joy is infectious, overflowing, and compelling. The circumstances of life that caused them pain in the past are still there, but now they have resources to cope with them. Their marriage is better, their hearts full of hope. It is not a ‘new religion’ that has brought such change; it is a new relationship! Anyone can see there is a difference.

Disciple, here is a direct challenge. What is the state of your life in the Spirit? Is it fresh, joyful, and causing others to wonder why you’re different? Or have you gone stale, stuck a rut of religion? Is your relationship with Christ Jesus about something that happened years ago or about knowing His grace for this day? "Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They’ll end up realizing that they’re the ones who need a bath." (1 Peter 3:15-16, The Message)

May we be alert to the holy opportunities around us, ready to share the very best Gift – the hope of life and love that can be found in Christ Jesus.