I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

~Philippians 4:12-13

Contentment. It’s a tough nut to crack in the abundance culture of the United States. Although we can all agree that grocery prices are (still) high and the general cost of living seems relatively challenging, Americans are still among the wealthiest people on the planet. In fact, statistics show that if your household income is more than $35,000 per year, you’re in the top 1% of global income earners. But it’s not just money, is it? Depending on your particular age group or even geographical location, the “contentment standard” could be tied to acquiring a coveted brand of something (clothes, gear, vehicle), achieving a certain Insta-filter look (think large lips, no lines, or shiny face), or attaining a particular number of social media followers.

Maybe your “if only” has nothing at all to do with stuff. It’s a better job (not your current one, which you prayed incessantly for before you got it). It’s a healing for you or your child, friend, or spouse. It’s the need for relief from that relentless pain you’ve had for years. It’s that prodigal who you’re watching wallow in the pigsty. Yes, you would finally be content if and when…

Oh, but then there is the Apostle Paul telling it like it is. At one time he was a top dog in the world—Ivy League educated, a top attorney, on the political rise, in the in crowd. But after Jesus got ahold of him, Paul’s life changed markedly. Just from what we learn in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33, Paul experienced the following as he journeyed to share the gospel with the world: numerous imprisonments, so many beatings that he stopped counting, 39 lashes five times, beaten with rods five times, stoned (some say to death), shipwrecked three times—and that’s just the short list of his sufferings. 

Yet Paul is content. More than that, he consistently rejoices in and through it all. 

See, Paul knew a secret. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit saw to it that Paul shared it with us as he wrote his letter to the church at Philippi—which he wrote while in prison! (Actually, Paul hammers contentment and joy in the Lord in all his writings, but we’ll focus in on Philippians for now.) Jesus changed Paul’s life—and Paul’s sole purpose was to see everyone else’s life transformed from darkness to light like his. He loved the Lord and, as a result, loved others to and for God’s glory. And no matter what his circumstances, Paul used that situation to boldly proclaim Christ and Him crucified. With his eyes on the prize of the salvation of others and the ultimate heavenly destination, Paul counted it all joy (Philippians 1-3). 

Then there is the glorious chapter 4 of Philippians. In his great joy and excitement and confident faith, Paul shares his secret. First, he sets it up by urging us to rejoice in the Lord. No need to be anxious about your bank account, your reflection, or even your daily pain. Be prayerful, with gratitude, and your heart and mind will be guarded by an incomprehensible peace of God. He tells us how to focus our thoughts (v 8) and to practice all the stuff he taught us through this and his other letters (v 9). Then, drumroll please…Paul gives us the key to contentment. “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am,” he says. Whether broke, rich, hungry, suffering, with friends, alone in a prison cell. You and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. That’s it! In our own strength and effort, we will always be lacking, wanting, discontent—there’s always more to be had, something better. But in Christ and through Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:31-39). Want to stand firm and be bold like Paul? Want to know that you know that you know the peace, joy—and, yes, contentment—found only in Jesus? Consider these other exhortations from our brother Paul: We were dead, and now we’re alive in Christ—seated with Him—and we are His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:1-10); there’s no more condemnation for us (Romans 8:1); we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17); we are daughters and sons of God (Galatians 3:26). And this is just a taste of why/how soul-level contentment is ours for the taking.

Friend, do you want true and lasting contentment? (I sure do!) In Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to firmly grasp it—no matter what our life and circumstances look like. And although secrets are typically meant to be kept quiet, this one has been given to us to be shared. So, like Paul, let’s go tell the world.

Lord, may I hold fast to the secret of contentment: Christ, His victory over sin and death, and who I am in Him.

Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth. 

~1 John 3:18

Our church is big on living the conduit life as a Christian—to be a passthrough of God’s love, mercy, and grace to others. Another way our pastor exhorts this truth is by saying, “Once we are rescued by Jesus, we become part of the rescue team.” This Biblical “one another” attitude (and practice) is one of the many reasons I just love my church family.

We recently finished up a series that went through our Discipleship Journey map, a never-ending triangle of following Jesus to deepen our relationship with Him. During the wrap-up sermon, the pastor used an analogy of a healthy Christian life that was one of those mic-drop moments for me. And I’m totally stealing it to elaborate on here: He commented that we need to be like sponges. 

See, for many people, being a Christian is about finding “the right” church that will strike the smart-shopper balance of entertainment/engagement, kid-friendliness, aligned musical tastes, etc.…even though (due to children sports, family vacations, or sleeping in) they’ll show up about once a month. They want what they want. Others are truly faithful to not miss a church service (Hebrews 10:25), loving the worship experience in song and teaching. There is even a good percentage who, in addition to consistent corporate worship, read their Bible on the regular. They soak in all the never-ending goodness, richness, and conviction God’s Word has to offer, satisfying that Holy-Spirit-given appetite.

But as followers of Christ, we can’t just be sponges—soaking in and soaking in, even though it’s all good stuff we’re absorbing. Because we all know what happens when you don’t squeeze out your sponge on the regular: It gets sour and starts to stink. So, just like a sponge, we’ve got to squeeze ourselves out: doing good unto others and serving, giving away what the Lord is teaching us (Matthew 23:11; Galatians 5:13-14; 1 Peter 4:10). And there are so many ways to do this! Be part of a small group at your church to talk about God’s Word—or just meet together with one or two other believers once a week to share what God’s teaching you and how He’s moving in your life. And serve! I guarantee that there are at least 10 different ways you can serve at your church right now, whether during Sunday (and/or midweek) services, through local ministry/outreach partners, and short-term global mission trips. Or find a local Christian organization on your own that fuels your spirit. 

However you choose to squeeze yourself, there is a beautiful irony that takes place: You don’t experience an emptiness in the emptying! In fact, this spiritual squeeze produces an immense fullness of joy! Giving yourself away immeasurably blesses you (Acts 20:35)! Plus, the pouring out for others creates the space to refill with more of God’s Word and refuel yourself for more giving away. 

So, sweet friend, live the sponge life. Soak up God’s truth and goodness through His Word, corporate worship, and community…then squeeze yourself out for the sake of others. And then repeat. 

Lord, I am so grateful that You have rescued me—brought me from death to life, from darkness into Your glorious light. Make me a conduit of Your love and grace as I give of myself to others in Your name.

How then are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? How are they to believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? 

~Roman 10:14

After my husband and I had a wonderful time in Pittsburgh visiting our son and daughter-in-love, I was able to stay there for a couple extra days and help Rachel (DIL) pack up in preparation for their upcoming move to Richmond. My flight home was very early on Wednesday…got to the airport about 4:30am for a flight that left at 6am. Because I was a “C” group on Southwest, that meant I’d get a “Center” seat—which I did. And as I sat down to a distinctive alcohol odor, my “judginess” began. And I didn’t even have to make presumptions. As soon as I buckled in, the woman in the window seat confessed to be drunk and warn me that she may fall asleep on my shoulder. I mustered a slight smile (as my inward eyes rolled and my mind screamed, “Seriously? You’re wasted at 6am?!”), and I probably said something like, “Oh, gosh.” She then proclaimed how “that’s what happens when you’re 60…you mop the floor while drinking wine, you do the laundry and have a drink…when you’re 60, that’s just what you do.” (She made the “turning 60” comment several other times.)

Opening number one. Not taken.

Before she did, in fact, pass out, I asked where she was going, and she said in her slurred yet distinctive Pittsburgh accent that she was going to Kansas to visit her daughter. In her mumbling, I heard her say something like, “I’m her emotional support animal.” I may have said, “Oh gosh” again, but I ignored her the best I could.

Opening number two. Not taken.

After about 3 minutes in the seat, I opened my book and intently read. Still annoyed, still internally ranting and questioning at what time of morning she would have to have started drinking to be THAT drunk by the time she boarded the plane at 5:30am. And I was relieved (yet still eye-rolling inside) when she passed out. 

What I SHOULD have done, I know. I SHOULD have seen her pain. My inward thoughts SHOULD have been a cry to the Holy Spirit to empower me to ask, “What are you trying to numb?” I SHOULD have seen that she was running from some demon in her life. Trying desperately to quiet the internal condemnation, shame, sadness. See, I was there at one time too! I know that numb-the-pain road—I’ve walked down it. I SHOULD have recalled where I’d been in order to empathize with her. (How I’ve played drinking games at 6am before school, or walked into class during grad school absolutely plastered, or drank-drugged-and-sexed my way to shut up my own demons.)

I COULD have been a witness to her about how Jesus freed me—and how He could free her. I COULD have shared how she is fully known and love by God, despite the lying hisses of the enemy in her ear. I COULD have shared how she can stop trying so hard…that she can simply surrender to the One who loves her and bought the victory for her on Calvary, defeating sin and death. I COULD have asked her if I could pray for her…had I asked about her (obviously) devastating 60^th birthday, or her daughter who is clearly going through a hard time, or if I’d taken any of the many opportunities to ask about her life. Her pain.

I SHOULD have thought differently about the whole situation. I COULD have done something to love her better and point her to Jesus. But I didn’t.

So, I had to ask the Lord to forgive me. In my mind, I have told that woman countless times that I am sorry. So sorry. And I pray that the Lord place another believer next to her on her flight back to Pittsburgh who will speak life into her. That this person does not ignore her pain, but recognize it and share with her the One she can hand it over to—whose burden is light. That this believer does not judge, but instead offers her the gift of new life in Christ. 

Lord, forgive me. Let me see the opportunities You give me! And then empower me to open my mouth in love for that person to share the Good News and shine light into the dark places. 

“I (Jesus) came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

~John 10:10b

On July 4, 1776, the new Congress of what would ultimately become the United States of America, put forth a Declaration of Independence. This document clearly enumerated Great Britain’s tyrannical actions and the young nation’s absolution from allegiance to the British crown. One of the most quoted sentiments of this separation agreement sets its foundation:  

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

The Founding Fathers of our great nation set forth the truth (which at one point was self-evident) that human beings are created equal by God and have been given the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of (note, it’s not the attainment of!) happiness—and that no one can dispossess us of these things. The Declaration of Independence, as well as the Constitution drafted 11 years later, established the ideal for the new (and never-been-done-before) Republic. It’s a truly beautiful thing (despite how you hear today’s angry mobs shout otherwise), and as citizens of the U.S., we are privileged to live this way.

Interestingly, Thomas Jefferson wasn’t the first one to pen these concepts. We can look through the pages of the Bible and find the original promises made to the followers of Jesus Christ. As citizens of heaven (1 Peter 2:9-10; Philippians 3:20) , we are privileged to have received life, liberty, and the pursuit of joy (which is way better than happiness).

Life: We were dead in our sins, but have been made alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10). Through Jesus we possess secure eternal life (John 3:16; John 10:27-29; Romans 8:38-39). And Jesus came to make us completely new (Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17), transform us into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 1:6), and allow us to walk in abundant life here on earth as we make our way Home to heaven (John 10:10).

Liberty: We were slaves to sin, but Jesus bought our freedom through His death and resurrection—His victory is ours. True liberty is found only in Him (John 8:31-36; Galatians 5:1). Upon salvation, we are given the Holy Spirit to live in us—and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). And as Christ-followers, we don’t use this freedom to indulge ourselves, but to serve others (Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16).

Joy: In response to our God-given, Christ-bought life and liberty, believers are to choose joy (1 Peter 1:3-9; Philippians 4:4). Jesus lived this way during His ministry, even as He was being crucified (Hebrews 12:1-3). Obedience to the Father and abiding in Christ bring us true joy (John 15:8-11). And like our Savior, as well as through the example (and exhortation) of the Apostles, we are to endure the hard things of this life for the joy set before us. But beyond “endurance”, we are to actually “count it all joy” because these trials are part of our growth (James 1:2-4). See, happiness is based on our happenings…joy, however, can (and should) be a constant no matter what we walk through. 

As citizens of the United States, let’s appreciate the rights our nation endows us with. But as citizens of heaven, let’s celebrate the life, liberty, and joy given to us by God through Christ Jesus. 

Lord, thank You for my new life and freedom in Christ. In response, may I choose joy as I walk in obedience and glorify You.

Do all things without complaining or arguments; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.

~Philippians 2:14-15

My husband and I are huge fans of the “Great British Baking Show”—we’ve watched every season (and some more than once). We love the premise and the competition…and, of course, the end-product baked goods. The only problem with our bingeing this particular show is that it leads to another sort of bingeing in that we tend to start baking delicious treats. One of our favorite weeks of the show is “Bread Week”, when the participants craft mouth-watering bread creations. Since Paul Hollywood is the master of all-things-bread, it’s a tough week for the competitors. The surface crust must be just-so, and the inside the perfect aerated texture. With each fail, it’s usually the result of not being “proved” enough—or, in other words, the dough needed to grow more.

In his letter to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul uses this concept of “proving”—the process of growth—to make a point to the believers in Philippi (and to us) that our salvation is also a process. We’re to “work it out with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Now, please note that we are saved into new life the moment we surrender to Jesus as our Lord and Savior by grace through faith. That said, the rest of our life until we in glory with the Lord is a process of becoming more and more like Christ (also called “sanctification”). And we are only able to do this through the power of the Holy Spirit living in us. 

Paul exhorts us in all his epistles as to the “how’s” of sanctification, and it’s true within Philippians as well. In chapter 1, Paul reminds us that God, who began a good work in us through salvation will complete it (1:6). He then goes on to encourage us to love others more and more through continuing to know the Word and seek discernment, which will help us live fruity lives (1:9-11). We’re reminded to be bold for the gospel and stand firm against false teachers and persecutors, even unto death (1:16-30). Then, Paul goes onto urge us to maintain unity in the church body, humbling ourselves to put others first as Christ did for us (2:1-11). What’s more (and what’s super-difficult), we’re to “do all things without complaining or arguing” (2:14). We don’t live this way to earn anything! We live this way in response to our salvation and to continually grow in our faith.

As Paul says in verse 15 of chapter 2, this is how the “proving”—or growth—happens. Not only are we becoming more and more like Jesus as we walk out our lives as children of God, but we become beacons of light in this dark world. We’re not needing to “prove ourselves blameless and pure”—we’re clearly not in this life! We live in a fallen body in a fallen world operated by our enemy. This “proving” is simply continuing the process God started in us to become more and more blameless and pure, standing out from the perverse culture around us. We’re to be a beacon of light drawing others into its warmth, security, and hope.

So, friend, let’s prove ourselves. Not in the way our world uses this phrase—we don’t have to prove anything because we didn’t earn our salvation—it was a gift. Like that “scrummy” loaf of delectable bread, we must allow for the process of growth, rising up toward our ultimate glory when we’re Home with the Lord.

Father God, thank You for the gift of salvation! Through the power of the Holy Spirit living in me, help me grow to be more and more like Jesus, and shine like a light in darkness around me.

Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from goodwill; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking that they are causing me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice.

~Philippians 1:15-18

If you’re a hardcore sports fan (of any sport), you likely have a team or teams that you support through thick and thin—the winning seasons and the losing ones. In fact, one of your biggest pet peeves are people in your town who are fair-weathered fans. When times are good, these bandwagon devotees are all onboard, sporting team colors and bragging about “their” favorite players.

Not sure if you’ve noticed recently, but there seems to be lot of cultural icons today (musicians, actors, influencers) who are “speaking” Christianese and claiming to be Christ-followers. For example, I think about Easter Sunday’s “Night of Praise” special per American Idol. A little over half of the performances touted Christian praise songs…and although I only watched a few of the performances via YouTube, it was enough for me to see some cultural headliners (and much of the audience) raising their hands in worship. I also think of the rapper Eminem and his newest album lifting up the name of Jesus (after lifting up the darkness for so long). Of course we can’t ignore Russell Brand, who can’t go too long talking about any subject (no matter which podcast he’s a guest on) without speaking of the transformative power of the Lord in his life—and on anyone who’d accept Jesus.

Friend, we could have long discussions about the “validity” of what’s happening in the culture—is it revival? Or is it a marketing ploy because there is money to be made. Are those raised hands a joyful surrender to the Lord or a powerful pose for the camera? Although I can be quite skeptical, I cannot judge the heart, mind, and soul of anyone else (or can you)—that’s God’s job (Isaiah 33:22; Psalm 50:6; John 5:22-23; Romans 2:1-16). 

But I’ll tell you what I will do: Rejoice! You may be thinking, “Say what?” Well, I’m simply responding in alignment with the Apostle Paul, as he wrote to the church in Philippi. See, there was some heated talk around the local church about some people preaching Christ with nefarious motives. They were promoting the gospel out of “envy and strife” (Philippians 1:17), be it for money, fame, ambition—possibly even to emotionally/psychologically kick Paul while he was down and in prison. But his perspective was, “Bring it on!” “In every way,” Paul says, “whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice” (1:18).

So as this or that famous (or slightly famous or used-to-be famous) person “comes out” as a Christian, performing in a seemingly Christian film or dropping a “God” song, I’ll try not to roll my eyes or shake my head.* Nope, I’ll follow Paul’s lead…and simply rejoice.

Jesus, You are Lord and Savior! In Your Sovereignty, may the truth of the Good News be heard, received, and transformational. However You see fit to do so.

*It must be noted that these proclamations in song, script, or interview must be vetted for Gospel truth and not heretical twists (2 Peter 2:1; Acts 17:11). 

Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, “I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned back from following Me and has not carried out My commands.” 

1 Samuel 15:10-11a

I’d always scratched my head at the verses in 1 Samuel where the Lord said that He “regretted” His action to make Saul king over Israel (1 Samel 15: 10-11; 35). Did God make a mistake in judgment?! Did He not know that Saul would turn out to disobey Him and grow prideful? No! God is Sovereign. And He never changes His mind—He always does what He says (Numbers 23:19). Moreover, God doesn’t “try” (whether said trying leads to success or failure) because His will always comes to pass. So, why does Scripture clearly says, “the Lord regretted”? 

Then I got to thinking…sometimes you and I have to make a hard decision. We know it’s the best thing to do—but we also know it will be hurtful, either to ourselves or another. And even though it’s the right course of action, given the definitive or potential negative outcome, we are sad about it. For example, when our child is sick or injured, we know full well that the medical treatment may be incredibly painful for him or her…and, in some sense, we regret that the child has to endure it. But the necessary action is taken. It must be, because it will ultimately lead to the best result: healing. Yet we lament. Or maybe it’s a drug-addicted loved one. Although they beg for money to feed their demon, we refuse to enable them. Best choice? Absolutely! Regretful? Yup. After all, because of our “no”, they may go down a dangerous, even deadly, path to get their fix. And we lament. We also pray for rock bottom, so they will—ultimately—look up for rescue. 

So, even we, mere mortals, can see situations where “good” decisions are still regrettable and lamentable. Even when we clearly know the ultimate purpose. Now let’s extrapolate this limited reality to our limitless King…which we can’t actually do. See, we are not God. God’s thoughts and ways are much, much higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). And His emotions are immensely more complex than we can possibly wrap our little brains around. In His Sovereignty, God always acts according to His glory and good pleasure (Isaiah 46:9-10; Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 13:21)—and for our ultimately good (Romans 8:28-29). 

What a precious realization from this Scripture! God knew exactly who Saul was and what he’d do (and not do). The course of history, though, was perfectly planned and executed by our Lord. Yet in His kindness and love for His people, He lamented (regretted). Friend, when our circumstances seem out of control, and we question the “why” in it all, let’s remember there is a good purpose for us, although it doesn’t make sense at the moment. Our situation may currently be lamentable, but we serve a Good God who made us and loves us…and who’s perfect will always glorifies Him.   

Lord, thank You for being my Good, Good Father, loving me relentlessly and purposing my life for Your glory. Even when my limited perspective cannot see beyond the current pain, may I trust Your plan.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

~Romans 2:12

The term “brainwashed” typically has a very negative connotation. In fact, there’s been a lot of talk over the past eight or so years about media “brainwashing” people with false information—trying to persuade us of one “truth” or another, depending on who you listen to. And with the rise of social media “influencers” and platform algorithms, it’s easy to be convinced that certain information is true… “See! Everyone agrees with me, just look at the ‘evidence’ of my incessant feed!” Hence, we fully embrace what we’re thinking. Our minds are sure. 

Until an opposing viewpoint slips through. Then, we glimpse the other side’s “facts” and start seeing more of the same when the algorithm pivots. And confusion sets in.

This example holds true for cultural trends, political leanings, health and fitness information—you name it, there’s an opinion that can thoroughly wash over your brain. And when it comes to some topics, the “sides” are so contrasting that it seems like there are literally two distinct realities! (See carnivore vs. vegan.) With all the over-information, discerning what’s truly true is really hard. 

Thankfully, there is One who never changes (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17)…and there is His Word that is living and true (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 17:17; Psalm 119). With God, sweet friend, there is no confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).

It’s so easy for our thoughts to be muddled by all the noise of this world. Our enemy, the father of lies hisses daily in our ears, “Did God really say…?” So, we must fill our mind with the Truths and Promises of God, standing firm in who we are in Christ. To fully embrace this Word-driven brainwashing, our mind will be renewed and our very soul transformed. This is a command and a promise. 

Colossians 3:1-3: “Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth” (v2).

Ephesians 4:17-32: “You are to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” (vs 23-24).

2 Corinthians 10:3-6: We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ (v5).

Philippians 4:8-9: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

So, what are you filling your head with? Endless social media clips and doomscrolling? Mind-numbing video games? YouTube rabbit holes? Stop the lies and confusion…be brainwashed with God’s truth and know His peace.

Lord, amid all the noise—and lies—of this world, help me keep my eyes and focus on You and Your Word. Brainwash me with Your Truth!

“For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

~Mark 9:49-50

As I was reading through Mark’s gospel, which I have done many, many times, I saw a little phrase that seemed to have been recently added to my Bible. (I know you know what I’m talking about!) In chapter 9, we read about the Transfiguration and then listen in as Jesus tells His disciples straight up about his impending death and resurrection (which they did not get in that moment). Then, after some of His closest friends were arguing about who was the greatest disciple, Jesus explains clearly that to be the greatest, one must be last and a servant of all. Skipping ahead a few verses, Jesus gets really real about removing sin from our lives, going to extremes when needed. But then, in Mark 9:49, Jesus follows that up by saying, “For everyone will be salted with fire.” Wait, what? After pausing to ponder this odd phrase through the Holy Spirit lens, a cool application struck me.

Believers are called to be salt in this world—Matthew, Mark, and Luke recount the words of Jesus as He exhorts us to be “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), to “have salt in yourselves” (Mark 9:50), and not lose our saltiness, because then it’s of no use at all (Luke 14:34-45). The analogy is pretty clear: Just as salt preserves food, we’re to preserve God’s Word amid the “rotting” elements of culture. And just as we use salt elevate the flavor of food, Christians sprinkle the grace, mercy, and love on others to reflect Jesus and glorify His name. And just as popcorn or chips make us pine for water, our salty lives should also make those around us thirsty for the Lord. Thankfully, we don’t do this in our own effort. Upon salvation, we are given the Holy Spirit to live within us to empower us to shine the light of Christ into our dark world, to serve as ambassadors of our new homeland (the Kingdom of God), to live fruity lives (Galatians 5:22-23), and—of course—to be salty. And although we are new creations in Christ and have the Holy Spirit within us, we’re still in a constant battle with the flesh and the broken world…not to mention against our enemy who hates us and wants only to kill, steal, and destroy. So, there is that. As we live in the world, being pulled on and pummeled by the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life…well, our saltiness can lose its flavor.

And this is what the point of this before-unseen-by-me sentence in Luke points to: staying salted by fire. See, sometimes our most valiant efforts are not enough. We squelch the Holy Spirit with the idea of “I know better” or “I got this”. In these cases, it’s as if the Lord shakes His head knowingly and says to Himself, “Nothin’ a little fire can’t fix.”

So, by trial, persecution, illness, financial crisis, family calamity, and even those sneaky malicious intentions of the enemy, the Lord purifies us. He burns up those attitudes, habits, and actions that have dulled our saltiness—and He refines our Christian walk for His glory, praise, and honor (1 Peter 1:6-7). 

When life is hard (because, frankly, it is), do we turn to the things of the world or old patterns that pull us off the Narrow Path and into the wide road? Does our awe of God’s greatness dim, and our enthusiasm for His people and lost souls wane? Oh, friend, I’ve been there, becoming tasteless to a world that so desperately needs to know the soul-level satisfaction of Jesus. But when we take our eyes off ourselves and our circumstances, and place them back on the Lord, and to His mercy and grace—and see just how He is salting us by fire—we can re-embrace the joy of our salvation…and amplify our saltiness once again.  

Lord, forgive me for losing my saltiness in the trials of this life. Thank You for “salting me with fire”, refining my flavor to be more like You.