Matthew 5:13 tells us that we are the salt of the earth, but if the salt loses it’s flavor, it is useless. If salt has flavor, it brings change. We need to have the flavor of a born-again Christian, a disciple of Jesus, the bride of Christ.
Salt is very common; it’s everywhere. Why didn’t Jesus compare us to something unique or precious, like a diamond? Because we should be easily accessible to people around us. They shouldn’t feel as though it will cost them something to come to us for help. We should always be available to bring change to people’s lives.
Salt kills death. We need to go to those who are dead, broken, hurting, and hopeless. They need our help. They need Jesus’ touch. Jesus brings life, hope, and resurrection. We need to be persistent with the things of God. We need to persistently be salt to those who are dying, to preserve them and bring the life of Jesus into their lives. Wherever we go, we should bring hope, life, joy, peace, and protection.
In John 12:24, Jesus tells us that unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it bears no fruit. As salt, we must melt ourselves to bring flavor and change to those around us. We must die in order to bring life to others. We must surrender to Jesus and live for God. When you die, there will be no reward on earth, only persecution. But there will be great reward in Heaven.
Matthew 5:10 shows us that we will be blessed for enduring persecution and tells us that we should rejoice. Why should we be happy? We will experience death in our flesh, but that in God, we will know God’s comfort. Would you rather be comforted by this world or by God? God’s comfort is much better and eternal. Rejoicing in persecution is a good way to show our love and faithfulness to God. We will also be walking on the path of Jesus and the same road that other powerful men and women of God have walked.
During the time of the early church, the Romans persecuted a powerful man of God, a bishop named Polycarp. They demanded that he deny his faith in Christ. His response to them was, “I have served Jesus for 86 years and He has never denied me. I will not deny Him.” They tried burning him with fire, but he would not burn, so he was stabbed and killed. The testimony of his faith in persecution still encourages believers today.
Even in times of persecution, we must lay down our lives for Christ. Let your faith grow in times of persecution. Bring the light of Jesus to this world, no matter what the cost. Your reward will be great.
God bless you,
Pastor Sun Hui East
I do think that being persistent is the key. We absolutely HAVE to be the salt of the earth because there is so much evil! It’s true, Pastor Sun Hui East, we cannot become tired & stop making a difference in the lives of others for Christ.
We absolutely HAVE to be the salt of the earth because there is so much evil! It’s true, Pastor Sun Hui East, we cannot become tired & stop making a difference in the lives of others for Christ.
Well said Pastor Sun Hui East! I appreciate you.
Another good message Pastor Sun Hui East! Thank you… and we watched your film “In Over My Head” last night! Loved it!
I always learn so much from your words… so glad you’re blogging, my mother is reading your teachings too! ( she’s changing)
Wow, that story of the Bishop was very touching! Praise God for his faithfulness …
I agree with you Pastor Sun Hui East that Christians should be accessible to others, how else will people see Jesus in us?
I’m glad you posted about this topic, I know that we MUST be different from this world, thank you Pastor Sun Hui East!
We have it so easy here in this country but still find it hard to deny ourselves. Just imagine the persecuted church in the world. Lord, help them.
The Kingdom of God is all about dying to self and carrying your cross. I pray in the glorious appearing of our Lord that He finds me faithful and true.
Thank you Pastor Sun East for being God’s faithful ambassador!
I like your words about “getting comfort from God instead of this world”… I know that this means “comfort from good things, not just bad ones” (things like food, family, relationship, relaxation, success, intelligence….ect) we sometimes rest in those things, feeling like we are a “good Christian” yet when push comes to shove, we were leaning on them and not on Christ. Ouch! We need to be real with God, either He is first, or not. Thank you for being direct, as usual, Pastor Sun Hui East.
My grand daughter asked me to look at this blog (she had to find it for me). I like it, I know I need to get right with God (she is praying for me). I have seen one of your movies Pastor Sun Hui East, I think it’s the first one you made. It was good and I know you are close to God. I enjoyed reading this message today, I will keep reading this each week.
I think I get hurt too easily, I am the “sensitive type”… at least that is what people tell me. (and it’s been like that since I was young) I want to be confident and strong Pastor Sun Hui East, I know you teach that we should be! Please pray for me to be healed emotionally.
Another good post, I will forward this one, Thank you Pastor Sun Hui East!
This teaching really helped me today Pastor Sun Hui East! I have had a rough two weeks at work & I really need some help with my attitude. Your message of being persistent reminds me that I must keep my feelings in check & act like Christ. Thank you, I feel better, I hope I can follow through with a peaceful attitude tomorrow at work!
This is a great teaching Pastor Sun Hui East. I am sharing this blog with others each week.
I want to be the “salt of the earth”, however, I find myself causing problems. Pastor Sun, please pray for me!