At first I struggled with the idea of being 'salty', and how this related to everyday faith. Being 'light filled' seemed an easier concept. But, on reflection I can see how 'salty' might be quite apt. Salt used to be very expensive, a precious commodity. It enhance's the flavour of food and is a preservative, essential in ensuring food stocks through lean and difficult times. We are also precious in the eyes of God, he wants the best for each and everyone of us. We are called to love and serve him, and if we can be 'salty' in the way we live out our faith, we too can keep going through both good and bad times, knowing that God is always with us.
My next issue was; Who do I know in my Church or community who is salty and light filled? Having moved during Lockdown, and joined a church with very few services and a focus on keeping the building open, rather than worship, I was struggling. So I have written about the person who has been most influencial in my journey (apart from Jesus), who was there when I was ready to listen, and encouraged me to respond. My thoughts are drawn from the friendship and conversations we shared. This person ran the home group I joined after completing an Alpha course in 2003. They live out their faith in everything they do: their work, their family and relationships, both in their church and community. They make ethical choses in their actions and household spending. They are welcoming, like Lydia, and meet people where they are. They do not judge, and are tolerant, they ask questions, and do not believe thay have 'all the answers'. They use their gifts to love and care for people, their church, and creation itself. Everything they do is informed by their faith. Their faith is constant and robust, and they are rich in love and kindness. Why are they like this? It gives them purpose. It gives them strength. It helps to make sense and put into perspective the chaotic world in which we live. It gives them hope.
I will always cherish our friendship and the part it has played in my journey so far. I will always remember the homegroup teapot. It always had another cup for whoever wanted or need it. It embodied my friends generosity, kindness and service to others.
That's what being salty means to me, precious, constant, and uncompromising. in living out our everyday faith.
Hi Amanda
I really enjoyed reading about your friend and the things that made he 'salty and light-filled'.
I was also really struck by Phil's comment of helping unconditionally and not having their own agenda to push.
Very often it is the conduct of a 'salty and light filled' Christian that can be the first thing that makes somebody who doesn't know Jesus wonder what is different about that person and think, 'I want want they've got'.
It makes me think how salty and light filled am I?
Am I attractive to others in the name of Jesus?
Do I shine for him?
Especially when I'm struggling with pain and breathlessness.. ?
Sometimes there can be beauty in suffering.. not that we yearn for suffering . . . .
shining and salt is not something we can force - we need to come to the source!
What a great example of someone who is salty and light filled Amanda, I was thinking about someone at our church who is similar in many ways - what especially stands out for me is their approachability, openness, not asking for anything in return in all they give - and whatever they give is always unconditional. Empathy as well is something that we often don't appreciate enough in ourselves and others - taking the time to check in with people, see how they are, and be able to sense when things aren't right.
I love that description "Everything they do is informed by their faith"... something for us all to aspire to perhaps?
thanks for your post Amanda its certainly given me lots to think about, its come just at the right time too. Our vicar contacted me yesterday to see if i fancied giving the sermon on Sunday the reading is Matthew 5 salt and light so ive found your post very helpful.
Your friend seems to have all the qualities of what it is to be both salty and light filled something we should all try to emulate. youve wrote about your friend beautifully i can tell theyve been a great help to you. Thanks for sharing that with us
Chris