A Ban on Salt / The Adoption
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
http://www.forthright.net
Straight to the Cross
Check out the podcasts from Tim's LightGrams Ministry
gracemine.org/podcast.htm.
COLUMN: HEAVENLY CONNECTIONS
A Ban On Salt
by Tim Hall
About once a month I enjoy grits with my breakfast. My
morning meals are generally simple, but when I gather
with men from our congregation for a monthly breakfast,
I'm dishing out grits alongside my eggs and bacon.
But I don't care for unsalted grits. If I can't add the
sodium chloride, then I'm going to pass, thank you.
The legislature in New York wants to improve the
lifestyles of their citizens. A proposal has been put
forth to ban the use of salt in restaurants in that
state.
Whether the food is for consumption on-site or off,
adding salt to their fare will bring a $1,000 fine for
every dish they serve.
Big Apple chefs are understandably upset, arguing that
the legislation is "absurd." We suspect customers feel
the same way. If the legislation is passed, you can be
sure patrons of dining establishments will be carrying
shakers of salt in little brown bags.
Jesus used the common image of salt in his charge to
his followers: "You are the salt of the earth; but if
the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It
is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and
trampled underfoot by men" (Matthew 5:13, NKJV).
Salt produces a distinctive flavor in food; people
notice when it's present (and when it isn't).
Christianity should also produce distinctive qualities
in the lives it affects. If not, something is wrong.
Honesty is one aspect of the Christian's saltiness.
Paul's instructions to slaves show this: "Not
pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may
adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things"
(Titus 2:10).
An employee who takes what does not belong to him shows
no distinctive effect of Christ in this respect.
The way we love others can show the godly salt in us.
Jesus taught this: "For if you love those who love you,
what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do
the same?" (Matthew 5:46).
Loving one's enemies is a sure way to get the attention
of the world.
Our words should also be salted. "Let your speech
always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may
know how you ought to answer each one" (Colossians
4:6).
Our task is more than purging out offensive words heard
on the street; we must deliberately infuse our words
with uplifting grace. Others will notice.
Some Christians, however, live as if there is a ban on
salt in their lives. Restaurants that serve unsalted
dishes will lose customers. Will Christians who display
unsalted lifestyles find any who wish to adopt their
faith?
----
Read this article online, write your reaction, and
read others' comments as well. Click here:
tinyurl.com/yfe8e3s
COLUMN: ENCOURAGING WORD
The Adoption
by Paula Harrington
I was talking to a friend recently when we were
interrupted by an ecstatic little girl. Since I already
knew the reason for her excitement, her attention was
focused solely on my friend.
"I'm getting adopted tomorrow!” Her curls bounced
around her joyful eyes. She added, "And I get a brand
new name!"
Once she skipped away, my friend, who I assumed knew
the girl, turned to me. "That was precious. Who is
she?"
Do you remember the joy you felt when you were adopted
and given a new name? The moment you became a Christian
was cause for great celebration. Did your new family in
Christ surround you with hugs and encouragement?
Did you call your parents to tell them? Did you stop by
someone's house on your way home to share your news?
Remember that zeal? That passion you had for the Lord?
Remember the great things you were going to do for him
and his kingdom.
What happened?
There was a time when we wanted to tell everyone about
our new life. We could've shouted it from the rooftops,
declared it to the world, and written it across the
skies.
We were going to convert the masses, but then something
happened. We moved Jesus to Sunday morning and maybe on
a good week, Wednesday night. We replaced our first
love with stress, worries, and commitments.
Isn't it time that we find the enthusiasm that we once
had? Like that little, brown eyed girl who was ready to
tell the whole world about her new home and her name,
we must also.
We are children of God (Ephesians 1:5, I John 3:1).
Shouldn't we be telling others? Find that passion you
once had. Tell the world you’re saved and salvation is
possible for them as well. You've been changed. Now, go
change the world.
----
Read this article online, write your reaction, and
read others' comments as well. Click here:
tinyurl.com/yaouffk
You can help get the word out. Here's how:
http://www.forthright.net/editorial/lend_a_hand.html