Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
OK, Here's My Take On The Election.
I was speaking with a friend the other day, just after the election. He stated that although he did not vote for Obama, he was chosen so it must be the will of God. Well that reminded me of a nation many years ago that was ruled by judges and heads of their tribes. They wanted to be like all the other nations around them so they pressured the local prophet to get God to give them a King. Reluctantly the prophet prayed and God told him that they were not rejecting his rule but HIS rule over them.
He told the people that it displeased God, but God would give them what they asked.
But there choice would come with consequences.
He gave a list of what the new King would do. The word "take" came to mind mostly.
I do not tend to say weither our new president is chosen by God or not. He was chosen by the people. I can not see God chosing someone that is Pro-choice and is OK with the killing of the unborn or the harvesting of those murdered unborn' stem cells to make it juctified.
Will our desire for a new world order with the promises of prosperity and sucurity trump our mortal attitude in America.
We will see in years to come. Will our desire to be like all other nations split us in half. Will the wrong kind of change come and it be to late to change back.
Again we must not put or trust in Obama, Cain or any man/woman, but the Lord God. If the Bible only showed one thing it is this, when mankind puts their trust in themselves instead of God, they fall.
Read: 1 Samuel Chapter 8 and so-on
He told the people that it displeased God, but God would give them what they asked.
But there choice would come with consequences.
He gave a list of what the new King would do. The word "take" came to mind mostly.
I do not tend to say weither our new president is chosen by God or not. He was chosen by the people. I can not see God chosing someone that is Pro-choice and is OK with the killing of the unborn or the harvesting of those murdered unborn' stem cells to make it juctified.
Will our desire for a new world order with the promises of prosperity and sucurity trump our mortal attitude in America.
We will see in years to come. Will our desire to be like all other nations split us in half. Will the wrong kind of change come and it be to late to change back.
Again we must not put or trust in Obama, Cain or any man/woman, but the Lord God. If the Bible only showed one thing it is this, when mankind puts their trust in themselves instead of God, they fall.
Read: 1 Samuel Chapter 8 and so-on
Friday, November 21, 2008
Being The New Testament Church Part 2: Baptisms
In continuation of my last post on “Being the New Testament Church” we are discussing Acts 2:41. After the new believers “believed in what Peter preached and then became baptized. The fact that the early New Testament (NT) believers were “baptized” can have many implications. According to which Christian discipline you are of the baptism mentioned could be “water baptism” or “the Baptism of the Holy Ghost”. Peter’s requirement for those asking “what they needed to do” mentions the “remission of sins” and “receiving the Holy Ghost”. This may be a little confusing so let’s take a look at the Biblical Baptism question.
In the NT we first see John the Baptist performing this service. I have see programs on the TV that suggest that John got the practice of baptism from an earlier Jewish sec like the Essenes. This is debatable. The first baptism we are introduced to is a baptism in water by submersion. This has been called all through the New Testament as John’s baptism or the baptism of repentance. In three of the gospels Jesus is pictured as coming to John and being baptized and in all three accounts the Heavens opened up, a voice spoke and the Holy Spirit came down. This is one of those moments when the total God was present. God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit all showed up for Jesus’ baptism. Now since this was a baptism of repentance why did Jesus need it unless He had sinned? In Matthew3:13 He answered this, “…it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” One Commentator said that He had to be baptized so that He could be identified with His people. This is true but in Galations 3:27 and Colossians 2:12, both show that baptism is a picture of us being buried with Christ and risen to new life with Him. We rise clean and we put on Christ. We forsake our nature and we take the nature and righteousness of Jesus. We no longer live but Christ lives in us (Galations 2:20). So there was a reason to for Him to submit to John’s baptism.
We see that as the Holy Spirit entered Him at this moment things began to change. Jesus was introducing a new baptism that would come into effect after He fulfilled His purpose. Acts 10:37 states that the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus at John’s baptism of Him. At this point some may say, “the Bible states there is One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism.” Some say that there are more than one according to Hebrews 6:2 where it states that “baptisms” plural, is one of the elementary doctrines of Christ. Which is right? As we look at Ephesians 4:5 in context we see that Paul is speaking of the Body of church believers, also called the Body of Christ. So this one Baptism of believers must be a baptism into the church, because there are other baptisms mentioned in the scripture. Jesus called His death on the cross as a baptism as recorded in Luke 12:50.
So, how do we know of which baptism Peter was speaking of I vs. 41? Let’s look at the Christian growth process as a whole. In Gen. 1:26 and 11;7. God reveals Himself as a plural Personage. By reading the revealed scriptures in the NT we see that God is in fact Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Now I do not agree with our brethren that say God was God the Father in the Old Testament times , God the Son in NT times and now is a God the Spirit at our present time. We have seen that all three were present at the baptism of Jesus the Man. Jesus said at least one time that he had to “go to the Father” and that He ascended to the right hand of the Father. And that He would send another comforter.
Back to Christian growth as concerning baptisms. We being created in the image of God, which is body, soul and spirit like He is Father, Son and Holy Ghost. At the fall of mankind the spirit part of man died. Giving future humanity a dead spirit nature. At our conversion, our being born again, we received a live spirit able to worship and commune again with God. In the Christian Growth Process we deal with the past, present and future. We have been saved, we are being saved and we will be saved. That is why the bible says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). When reading scripture we can see by reading the text within context if it is speaking of our past, present or future condition. I need to say here that the fallowing is my opinion and not to be taken as doctrine. I am an uneducated factory worker just trying to help you make some sense of this subject. I am not the final authority on the subject.
With that said, let’s move on.
John’s baptism was a baptism for repentance. It dealt with our past condition. An outward act reflecting an inward work. It shows that we are buried with Christ and risen with Him in life. That we are no longer subject to eternal death. I remember when I was a child baptized after walking the aisle and saying “the prayer”, it had no effect on my life. When I was converted as a teenager, I knew it was not right and that I needed to be baptized again. Nobody told me I needed to, I just knew. It was after this that I started to change. I started to understand the Bible. Christian principles were open to me. Concern for the lost became genuine.
In Acts 19:3-4 we see another baptism. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost. This baptism is a baptism for the present condition of a believer. Just as John’s baptism was for the saving from the past, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for the saving of the present. Here I would like to say that the baptisms of and in themselves do nothing but (as said before) give outward show evidence of an inward work. John’s baptism was connected to the “saving of the Spirit”, the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is connected to the “saving of the soul”. Soul being the mind and emotions. It is a daily process with the Baptism as a starting point. Simply said, baptisms are just marks of a “new beginning” in a Christian’s growth in life with God. There is much debate as to the evidence of this baptism and when does a person receive it. Many believe that it comes when we are born again and some say it is a “second blessing” that comes separate. Whether separate or together, whether with out without evidence. No matter which way you swing, just get it. I know some who claim it and some who don’t that love the Lord and the same for ones that live worldly. One thing for sure, if you can argue about it, hold back fellowship or hate your brother over it, you do not have it.
John had had spoken of Jesus coming to baptize us with the Holy Spirit and Fire. What is this Fire Baptism? (Mat. 3:11 and Luke 3:16) Many have tried to answer this and here is my try. Fire in the Bible has mostly been a symbol of purging. In Luke 3:16 were John says that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and Fire, the next verse speaks of wheat being purged from the chaff. The useless part of the wheat. In a Christian’s life there will come times of testing. Times of “New Beginnings” that serve to purge us of useless things in our lives that hinder our spiritual growth. These are baptisms of fire. I may add that if a person has not had the Baptism of Repentance and the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, things might not turn out that good. I once had a job that I had been employed at for fourteen and a half years. At the time I was consumed with preaching in group homes, jails and prisons. Ministry in the streets and concert outreaches. And quit full of myself. Then I found myself jobless. Having to start all over again. At this time I started doing “Internet Evangelism”. I found out quite quick that I did not know as much as I thought. Looking back at my job loss, I saw mistakes that I had made which lead up to my loss. I was completely humbled. This was a baptism of fire. I look back now, at this time ten years ago, and see my spiritual growth much higher and my usefulness to the kingdom increased. I’ve learned to “humble myself” instead of letting the Lord do it for me.
This is the Baptism of Fire which will save us. (again, outward marks of an inward work) It is the daily dying of our flesh. Our ego. Anything that hinders our relationship to the Lord with the final climax as our bodily death. As Jesus pointed to His death as a baptism, so we will all enter into a baptism that will save our body. A baptism for the future. A new beginning with the Father.
In Acts 2:41 the baptism Peter spoke of is one or all of the baptisms. Some say that we are to baptize in Jesus’ name only because nowhere in the book of Acts does it show anyone doing it. Jesus gives us the commission to “Go and teach all nations and baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”, in Mat. 28:19. Could Jesus be telling us to go and baptize for the saving of all the person? Body, Soul and Spirit? The Baptism of John or Repentance for the saving of the Spirit and for being added to the Church. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost for the saving of the Soul, in the name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit teaching us of Jesus and renewing our mind. He Baptism of Fire for the salvation of our body. The Holy Spirit leading us through the fire baptisms of life. All the way to our bodily death and final union with God.
Again, this is just an idea and an attempt to put baptisms in perspective. I’m not pushing my formula or anything else. The point is, baptism is a new beginning. The new believers in Acts 2:41 had to start all over again before they could be added to the Church. Then they could understand the Apostle’s teaching with revelation. Fellowship in true Christ-Like love, take part in the Body of Christ and pray effectively. They became New Testament Christians.
Further Reading on baptisms:
Mat. 3:6; 21:25
Mark 1:4; 16:16
Luke 3:12, 21; 7:29
John 1:26; 3:5, 23
Acts 2:38; 8:12, 38; 9:18; 10:48; 13:2416:15, 33; 18:8; 22:16
Romans 6:3; 1 Cor. 12:13; 1 Peter 3:21
In the NT we first see John the Baptist performing this service. I have see programs on the TV that suggest that John got the practice of baptism from an earlier Jewish sec like the Essenes. This is debatable. The first baptism we are introduced to is a baptism in water by submersion. This has been called all through the New Testament as John’s baptism or the baptism of repentance. In three of the gospels Jesus is pictured as coming to John and being baptized and in all three accounts the Heavens opened up, a voice spoke and the Holy Spirit came down. This is one of those moments when the total God was present. God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit all showed up for Jesus’ baptism. Now since this was a baptism of repentance why did Jesus need it unless He had sinned? In Matthew3:13 He answered this, “…it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” One Commentator said that He had to be baptized so that He could be identified with His people. This is true but in Galations 3:27 and Colossians 2:12, both show that baptism is a picture of us being buried with Christ and risen to new life with Him. We rise clean and we put on Christ. We forsake our nature and we take the nature and righteousness of Jesus. We no longer live but Christ lives in us (Galations 2:20). So there was a reason to for Him to submit to John’s baptism.
We see that as the Holy Spirit entered Him at this moment things began to change. Jesus was introducing a new baptism that would come into effect after He fulfilled His purpose. Acts 10:37 states that the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus at John’s baptism of Him. At this point some may say, “the Bible states there is One Lord, One Faith and One Baptism.” Some say that there are more than one according to Hebrews 6:2 where it states that “baptisms” plural, is one of the elementary doctrines of Christ. Which is right? As we look at Ephesians 4:5 in context we see that Paul is speaking of the Body of church believers, also called the Body of Christ. So this one Baptism of believers must be a baptism into the church, because there are other baptisms mentioned in the scripture. Jesus called His death on the cross as a baptism as recorded in Luke 12:50.
So, how do we know of which baptism Peter was speaking of I vs. 41? Let’s look at the Christian growth process as a whole. In Gen. 1:26 and 11;7. God reveals Himself as a plural Personage. By reading the revealed scriptures in the NT we see that God is in fact Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Now I do not agree with our brethren that say God was God the Father in the Old Testament times , God the Son in NT times and now is a God the Spirit at our present time. We have seen that all three were present at the baptism of Jesus the Man. Jesus said at least one time that he had to “go to the Father” and that He ascended to the right hand of the Father. And that He would send another comforter.
Back to Christian growth as concerning baptisms. We being created in the image of God, which is body, soul and spirit like He is Father, Son and Holy Ghost. At the fall of mankind the spirit part of man died. Giving future humanity a dead spirit nature. At our conversion, our being born again, we received a live spirit able to worship and commune again with God. In the Christian Growth Process we deal with the past, present and future. We have been saved, we are being saved and we will be saved. That is why the bible says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). When reading scripture we can see by reading the text within context if it is speaking of our past, present or future condition. I need to say here that the fallowing is my opinion and not to be taken as doctrine. I am an uneducated factory worker just trying to help you make some sense of this subject. I am not the final authority on the subject.
With that said, let’s move on.
John’s baptism was a baptism for repentance. It dealt with our past condition. An outward act reflecting an inward work. It shows that we are buried with Christ and risen with Him in life. That we are no longer subject to eternal death. I remember when I was a child baptized after walking the aisle and saying “the prayer”, it had no effect on my life. When I was converted as a teenager, I knew it was not right and that I needed to be baptized again. Nobody told me I needed to, I just knew. It was after this that I started to change. I started to understand the Bible. Christian principles were open to me. Concern for the lost became genuine.
In Acts 19:3-4 we see another baptism. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost. This baptism is a baptism for the present condition of a believer. Just as John’s baptism was for the saving from the past, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for the saving of the present. Here I would like to say that the baptisms of and in themselves do nothing but (as said before) give outward show evidence of an inward work. John’s baptism was connected to the “saving of the Spirit”, the Baptism of the Holy Ghost is connected to the “saving of the soul”. Soul being the mind and emotions. It is a daily process with the Baptism as a starting point. Simply said, baptisms are just marks of a “new beginning” in a Christian’s growth in life with God. There is much debate as to the evidence of this baptism and when does a person receive it. Many believe that it comes when we are born again and some say it is a “second blessing” that comes separate. Whether separate or together, whether with out without evidence. No matter which way you swing, just get it. I know some who claim it and some who don’t that love the Lord and the same for ones that live worldly. One thing for sure, if you can argue about it, hold back fellowship or hate your brother over it, you do not have it.
John had had spoken of Jesus coming to baptize us with the Holy Spirit and Fire. What is this Fire Baptism? (Mat. 3:11 and Luke 3:16) Many have tried to answer this and here is my try. Fire in the Bible has mostly been a symbol of purging. In Luke 3:16 were John says that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and Fire, the next verse speaks of wheat being purged from the chaff. The useless part of the wheat. In a Christian’s life there will come times of testing. Times of “New Beginnings” that serve to purge us of useless things in our lives that hinder our spiritual growth. These are baptisms of fire. I may add that if a person has not had the Baptism of Repentance and the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, things might not turn out that good. I once had a job that I had been employed at for fourteen and a half years. At the time I was consumed with preaching in group homes, jails and prisons. Ministry in the streets and concert outreaches. And quit full of myself. Then I found myself jobless. Having to start all over again. At this time I started doing “Internet Evangelism”. I found out quite quick that I did not know as much as I thought. Looking back at my job loss, I saw mistakes that I had made which lead up to my loss. I was completely humbled. This was a baptism of fire. I look back now, at this time ten years ago, and see my spiritual growth much higher and my usefulness to the kingdom increased. I’ve learned to “humble myself” instead of letting the Lord do it for me.
This is the Baptism of Fire which will save us. (again, outward marks of an inward work) It is the daily dying of our flesh. Our ego. Anything that hinders our relationship to the Lord with the final climax as our bodily death. As Jesus pointed to His death as a baptism, so we will all enter into a baptism that will save our body. A baptism for the future. A new beginning with the Father.
In Acts 2:41 the baptism Peter spoke of is one or all of the baptisms. Some say that we are to baptize in Jesus’ name only because nowhere in the book of Acts does it show anyone doing it. Jesus gives us the commission to “Go and teach all nations and baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”, in Mat. 28:19. Could Jesus be telling us to go and baptize for the saving of all the person? Body, Soul and Spirit? The Baptism of John or Repentance for the saving of the Spirit and for being added to the Church. The Baptism of the Holy Ghost for the saving of the Soul, in the name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit teaching us of Jesus and renewing our mind. He Baptism of Fire for the salvation of our body. The Holy Spirit leading us through the fire baptisms of life. All the way to our bodily death and final union with God.
Again, this is just an idea and an attempt to put baptisms in perspective. I’m not pushing my formula or anything else. The point is, baptism is a new beginning. The new believers in Acts 2:41 had to start all over again before they could be added to the Church. Then they could understand the Apostle’s teaching with revelation. Fellowship in true Christ-Like love, take part in the Body of Christ and pray effectively. They became New Testament Christians.
Further Reading on baptisms:
Mat. 3:6; 21:25
Mark 1:4; 16:16
Luke 3:12, 21; 7:29
John 1:26; 3:5, 23
Acts 2:38; 8:12, 38; 9:18; 10:48; 13:2416:15, 33; 18:8; 22:16
Romans 6:3; 1 Cor. 12:13; 1 Peter 3:21
Friday, November 14, 2008
Fwd: FW: ABC bans flag lapel pins
--- On Sat, 11/8/08, Bill Taylor wrote:
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Monday, November 03, 2008
Just A Quick Word Before The Election Tomorrow.
We really need to pray for our nation. And put things in His hands. history has tought us that no one man can change this country (or ruin it. No matter who wins, we the praying people will bring change. If we do not pray, we will bring change also. But who wants that kind.
Pray about your vote before doing it.
Pray for True Spiritual revival in our nation.
Pray for our new leaders that they will allow the Lord to guide them.
Pray that His enimies will be shown and that He would deal justly with them.
Pray about your vote before doing it.
Pray for True Spiritual revival in our nation.
Pray for our new leaders that they will allow the Lord to guide them.
Pray that His enimies will be shown and that He would deal justly with them.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Being The New Testament Church Part 1: Intro & Belief
Our pastor has been teaching lately on , "Being A New Testament Church". Many groups have used this title in their Church name and I will not sit in judgement as to whether they are or are not a NTC. One thing we have seen is that you can not have a NTC with out New Testament people. We have been studying in Acts 2:41-47
After Peter had preached and many decided to follow Jesus, they followed a certain pattern for growth.
1. They believed
2. They Baptized
3. They devoted time to learning the Apostles teachings
4. They had close fellowship together
5. They ate together daily and had communion
6. They prayed together.
I will discuss these as I can in different post.
First they believed after hearing Peter's preaching.
They had heard that Jesus rose from the dead. No one questioned the fact of the matter. Some chose not to believe, but many chose to do so. Belief starts from Heaven, comes down to man and then goes out. To really believe, one must have a revelation from the Lord. Just like when Jesus asked the disciples who they thought He was, Peter answered correctly and Jesus told him that man did not teach him this but it came from God the Father. We will only get truth from the Bible or Preaching when the Lord reveals it to us. Then, like the early believers, we will not deny our faith for nothing. Not even to save our lives.
I will do baptisms next, after I have studied and prayed about it.
Note: The Main points in this post were made by my pastor, Robert Grice of Grace Harvest Church in Dothan, Al. USA
After Peter had preached and many decided to follow Jesus, they followed a certain pattern for growth.
1. They believed
2. They Baptized
3. They devoted time to learning the Apostles teachings
4. They had close fellowship together
5. They ate together daily and had communion
6. They prayed together.
I will discuss these as I can in different post.
First they believed after hearing Peter's preaching.
They had heard that Jesus rose from the dead. No one questioned the fact of the matter. Some chose not to believe, but many chose to do so. Belief starts from Heaven, comes down to man and then goes out. To really believe, one must have a revelation from the Lord. Just like when Jesus asked the disciples who they thought He was, Peter answered correctly and Jesus told him that man did not teach him this but it came from God the Father. We will only get truth from the Bible or Preaching when the Lord reveals it to us. Then, like the early believers, we will not deny our faith for nothing. Not even to save our lives.
I will do baptisms next, after I have studied and prayed about it.
Note: The Main points in this post were made by my pastor, Robert Grice of Grace Harvest Church in Dothan, Al. USA
Wednesday, September 03, 2008
The Preacher and the Atheistic Barber
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Friday, June 13, 2008
Used Book Review: Chapter and Verse by Mike Bryan
I found this book (Chapter and Verse: A Skeptic Revists Christianity by Mike Bryan C.1991 Random House) in a used book store and thought it would be another book about an atheist that found Christ through studing the works of the New Testament. Like Josh McDowell, C.S. Lewis and others. But as I read it I found the narrative exciting. The Author was a skeptic and he let out at the being that he did not convert, but wrote a honest work on what a "Real" Christ is and what they believe. He also added the skeptic views along side of the Christian and it was enlightening. Sort of a peek into the atheist mind. All the atheist retorts and insults were not used. It was very refreshing and informational. For those Christians and their Pastors that just want people to "just read the Bible" this would be a good book. It would make a good text book for a apologetics class.
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Being Salt in the Workplace
"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
Matthew 5:13 Geneva Bible 1599
I have read and heard this verse for years and saw it as a verse to compel us to share our faith. On further looking it also speaks to me of striving to make our surroundings better because of Christ in us. Like our workplace. Many of us go to work, get by with doing an O'Right job, and go home:
Think about what our calling in life is.
Wonder when will God use us?
Collapse on the couch and fall asleep to TV reruns.
When in fact we are "salt", not "we are to be salt" If we are born again and therefor a new creation in Christ, we are salt by New Creation Nature. We can not stop from being salt no more than salt can lose its flavor. Because if indeed it could lose its flavor it would be "not salt" and good for nothing but to be cast out in the street.
I had an atheist who was trying to show Jesus as a liar and not perfect use the fact that salt does not lose it's flavor ability. When in fact he did not understand how the eastern train of thought worked and how they said things in a way that gave a mental picture of facts by saying the opposite. Salt does not lose it's salty-ness like no one who lights a candle and covers it, if they wish to see. And a city on a hill cannot help but being seen. A Christian will change his environment just because that's the way Christ made him or her after the New Birth.
So, back to work. In many settings when persons have been at their job for a long time they become bored and uncaring. The company suffers and quality goes down hill. A Christian should have a trunk load of new ideas and improvement options.
In Japanese work culture there is a phase used called "Kaizen" (Ky'zen). 1 Meaning "gradual, unending improvement, doing little things better; setting and achieving ever higher standards". And this goes deeper than just the workplace in Japan. It flows over into daily life. The push to do better in every area of our lives. This is being salt. Making improvements to our work and daily life. A good pinch of salt does wonders for some dishes. It can totally change the meal for the good.
At this point I could produce a formula for achieving this seasoning but as stated it should become natural. We only have to look around and think, "What if I had the power to change the things at work or put policies in place to make it better", and then do something about it. Don't get bogged down with those who have lost there way and live only for the weekends of short relief from work pressures.
Find out the procedure in making suggestions and do it. Stuff the box or email them in.
And work in a way that sets up the person after you in the production line that will make their job easier and more productive. As long as it doesn't slow down your production.
And one word of advice (well, one more), when you don't get the results or recognition that you wanted, remember who you really work for and expect the currency of the Kingdom of God. Which are Righteousness, Peace and Joy. Romans 14:17 And if you do get a at-a-boy, pass the glory to the Lord, therefore is your witness.
If you are not a Christian and wish for something better in life. Give it a try and Receive power from Christ to make a difference in your life and others.
Mark 9:50
Luke 14:34-35
1- Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success by Masaaki Imai
Matthew 5:13 Geneva Bible 1599
I have read and heard this verse for years and saw it as a verse to compel us to share our faith. On further looking it also speaks to me of striving to make our surroundings better because of Christ in us. Like our workplace. Many of us go to work, get by with doing an O'Right job, and go home:
Think about what our calling in life is.
Wonder when will God use us?
Collapse on the couch and fall asleep to TV reruns.
When in fact we are "salt", not "we are to be salt" If we are born again and therefor a new creation in Christ, we are salt by New Creation Nature. We can not stop from being salt no more than salt can lose its flavor. Because if indeed it could lose its flavor it would be "not salt" and good for nothing but to be cast out in the street.
I had an atheist who was trying to show Jesus as a liar and not perfect use the fact that salt does not lose it's flavor ability. When in fact he did not understand how the eastern train of thought worked and how they said things in a way that gave a mental picture of facts by saying the opposite. Salt does not lose it's salty-ness like no one who lights a candle and covers it, if they wish to see. And a city on a hill cannot help but being seen. A Christian will change his environment just because that's the way Christ made him or her after the New Birth.
So, back to work. In many settings when persons have been at their job for a long time they become bored and uncaring. The company suffers and quality goes down hill. A Christian should have a trunk load of new ideas and improvement options.
In Japanese work culture there is a phase used called "Kaizen" (Ky'zen). 1 Meaning "gradual, unending improvement, doing little things better; setting and achieving ever higher standards". And this goes deeper than just the workplace in Japan. It flows over into daily life. The push to do better in every area of our lives. This is being salt. Making improvements to our work and daily life. A good pinch of salt does wonders for some dishes. It can totally change the meal for the good.
At this point I could produce a formula for achieving this seasoning but as stated it should become natural. We only have to look around and think, "What if I had the power to change the things at work or put policies in place to make it better", and then do something about it. Don't get bogged down with those who have lost there way and live only for the weekends of short relief from work pressures.
Find out the procedure in making suggestions and do it. Stuff the box or email them in.
And work in a way that sets up the person after you in the production line that will make their job easier and more productive. As long as it doesn't slow down your production.
And one word of advice (well, one more), when you don't get the results or recognition that you wanted, remember who you really work for and expect the currency of the Kingdom of God. Which are Righteousness, Peace and Joy. Romans 14:17 And if you do get a at-a-boy, pass the glory to the Lord, therefore is your witness.
If you are not a Christian and wish for something better in life. Give it a try and Receive power from Christ to make a difference in your life and others.
Mark 9:50
Luke 14:34-35
1- Kaizen: The Key to Japan's Competitive Success by Masaaki Imai
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