DEVOTION: “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.” ~ Matthew 5:13 NLT

SALT OF THE EARTH: The citizens of this heavenly kingdom (the church) that Jesus preached about were at hand and were to become “the salt of the earth.” The citizens of this kingdom of all generations are described by the beatitudes, and they are to have a saving influence in the world. Faithful Christians are to the human race what salt is to food—the element which preserves it from corruption and gives savor and relish. How are Christians the salt of the earth? They are present as proof of the success of truth, and are monuments of what the principles of the kingdom will make one; they preserve the life of Christ on the earth; they are the means of spreading the truths of the gospel, and propagating the salvation of Jesus, by which the world is preserved. Salt was used in the Levitical sacrifices. (Lev. 2:13.) Livy called Greece “the salt of the nations” as they were enlightened by the wisdom of Greece; so Christians are called by Jesus “the salt of the earth,” because they are to save the world through their lives, teaching, and influence. ~Gospel Advocate Commentaries

MEMORY VERSE: “Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.” ~1 Peter 2:12 NLT

QUOTE: “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for every- one.” ~Colossians 4:5-6 NLT

PRAY WITH US: Holy Father, I pray that I might follow Your teachings through the Scriptures so that I will not compromise with the world of unbelievers but be an influence to lead them to the way of salva- tion. May the world hear about Christ in my teaching, see His influence in my conduct and way of liv- ing. In the name of Jesus the Christ I pray, Amen. –By Bro Roy Beaty
For the Shepherds,