Today's Lectionary TextMatthew 5:13-16“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven." Today's DevotionalThe scripture tells us very clearly that if the salt {us, people of faith, those who claim the name Christian, clergy, laity} has lost its flavor it is good for nothing. Just throw it away! Let it be trampled under people’s feet. (v.13) Every time I read this passage the words of Jesus echo in my ears and pierces my heart. I am reminded again how I have failed to be the salt to those around me and those I encounter. I forget that Jesus gave me {and you} the authority to go and make disciples. Somehow it is easier to lay that authority aside and just be unsalted. Apparently, evidence is clear that I am not the only one who does this. We have more empty spaces in our churches than we do at a football game, and that seems to be ok with us. Now if that didn’t knock you out of your seat, then we need to talk about a discipleship path and growing from an infant to maturity. We cannot just lay the authority of Jesus down and be tasteless. Jesus is spot on in v. 13, "You are the salt of the earth." Notice there is a period at the end of that sentence, not a comma or anything else. Great Plains Conference – it’s time to get salty! It’s time to pick up the authority we laid down and get serious about making disciples for Jesus Christ. It’s time to bring the community into the house. Join me -- let’s get salty! -- Rev. Hollie Tapley Prayer for Reflection“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.
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