Scripture:
Mark 9:49
49 “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.”

Context is important. In the previous verses, the disciples are arguing about who is the greatest, and Jesus tells them it is the least, the one who serves. Then, in verses 43–48, He talks about cutting sin out of our lives, the very things that separate us from God. In verse 49, Jesus shifts and gives us this picture:

“For everyone will be seasoned with fire.”

Fire has many purposes: to purify, to refine, to warm, and to cook. But I want to focus on two things. First, the Christian life is one of being refined and purified, whether by trial or by the work of the Holy Spirit. Second, the work of the Holy Spirit (fire) prepares us for His presence.

“And every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.”

In Jesus’ day, salt was a very valuable commodity. In fact, people were sometimes paid their wages in salt, which is where we get the expression “worth his salt.” Salt brings flavor to everything it touches, and it preserves. Your greatest value and mine is our Kingdom contribution, our relationship with Christ. The salt is the work of Christ in our lives that is meant to spill out into the world, bringing something of worth and value into the lives we sprinkle it on. We are the flavor of Christ in a tasteless world, so we must guard our walk and stay salty.

Today’s God-Shot is more of a reminder that we are intended to be an aroma pleasing to God. Our purpose is to please Him, which means allowing the work of the Holy Spirit (fire) to refine us. We are also intended to bring Christ to a world that needs Him so desperately, just as salt brings flavor to everything it touches. May we be salty. Let that simmer a bit.

Lord, I pray that we would be the salt of this world, that we would bring Your presence into everything we do, and that we would change the world around us. Help us guard our walk and be tempered by fire, driving out the things that don’t belong and honoring You with what does. May our lives bring You glory. In Jesus’ name, amen!