"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings
out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people
taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage."
(Matt 5:13, MSG)
A few weeks ago someone asked me what kind of food I would eat if I were upset.
Strange question! This is the first time anyone asked me such a question. He was
astonished when I answered: "Nuts!"
Yes, I am nuts about nuts, preferring salt over sugar. It's true that when I eat
deserts that are way too sugary, I will raid my cupboards for some salty nuts,
removing the disagreeable taste of sugar. In fact I try to avoid refined sugar
at all cost. I just don't like it. It truly makes me sick! But not so with salty
nuts, especially pistachios. Purely heavenly! Now-a-days pistachios can be
bought hull free. No more heavy labor to release these delicious tasting
pistachios. Yum!
Nowhere in the Bible does it say "You are the sugar of this world!" There is a
reason for that. Even though in our society almost everything is laced with
refined sugar, sugar isn't our best friend. The same is true with the news that
is broadcasted day in and day out: murder, hatred, finances, temptation,
indulgence and vengeance . . . I always find myself disappointed when I listen
to such news, the same reaction when I eat sugar! Yuck! Get away from me!
It's hard, though, to make others aware of the dangers of sugar. I know of
someone who is heads over hills fascinated with sugar, so much so that this
person doesn't eat vegetables or fruit, preferring sugar laced cookies and other
similar delicacies.
How can others savor something that is way better for them than what they are
experiencing? This is only possible if we are "salt-seasoning that brings out
the God-flavors!" Notice: salt-seasoning believers!
Many believe we are nuts to promote God-flavors. We truly are! Yummy salty
pistachios!
Even amidst sugar-hungering individuals, if we leave a bowl of pistachios in
their vicinity, these nuts disappear quite quickly and many ask for more. The
same is true with our "salt-seasoning" influence. We may be considered nuts, but
still society hungers for people whose interest is in helping others. They urge
for more and more of us to do so as well. Once "God-flavors" are tasted, we
can't help but ask for more!
If we are among the sugary kind of believers, we will be left wanting. Come on
over and taste the "salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors!" You will
ask for more and more, as our reality is well beyond the confines of our world!
By the way, would you like a pistachio?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.