Forthright Magazine http://www.forthright.net Straight to the Cross Check out the podcasts from Tim's LightGrams Ministry http://gracemine.org/podcast.htm. COLUMN: HEAVENLY CONNECTIONS A Ban On Salt by Tim Hall About once a month I enjoy grits with my breakfast. My morning meals are generally simple, but when I gather with men from our congregation for a monthly breakfast, I'm dishing out grits alongside my eggs and bacon. But I don't care for unsalted grits. If I can't add the sodium chloride, then I'm going to pass, thank you. The legislature in New York wants to improve the lifestyles of their citizens. A proposal has been put forth to ban the use of salt in restaurants in that state. Whether the food is for consumption on-site or off, adding salt to their fare will bring a $1,000 fine for every dish they serve. Big Apple chefs are understandably upset, arguing that the legislation is "absurd." We suspect customers feel the same way. If the legislation is passed, you can be sure patrons of dining establishments will be carrying shakers of salt in little brown bags. Jesus used the common image of salt in his charge to his followers: "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men" (Matthew 5:13, NKJV). Salt produces a distinctive flavor in food; people notice when it's present (and when it isn't). Christianity should also produce distinctive qualities in the lives it affects. If not, something is wrong. Honesty is one aspect of the Christian's saltiness. Paul's instructions to slaves show this: "Not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things" (Titus 2:10). An employee who takes what does not belong to him shows no distinctive effect of Christ in this respect. The way we love others can show the godly salt in us. Jesus taught this: "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?" (Matthew 5:46). Loving one's enemies is a sure way to get the attention of the world. Our words should also be salted. "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Colossians 4:6). Our task is more than purging out offensive words heard on the street; we must deliberately infuse our words with uplifting grace. Others will notice. Some Christians, however, live as if there is a ban on salt in their lives. Restaurants that serve unsalted dishes will lose customers. Will Christians who display unsalted lifestyles find any who wish to adopt their faith? ---- Read this article online, write your reaction, and read others' comments as well. Click here: http://tinyurl.com/yfe8e3s COLUMN: ENCOURAGING WORD The Adoption by Paula Harrington I was talking to a friend recently when we were interrupted by an ecstatic little girl. Since I already knew the reason for her excitement, her attention was focused solely on my friend. "I'm getting adopted tomorrow!” Her curls bounced around her joyful eyes. She added, "And I get a brand new name!" Once she skipped away, my friend, who I assumed knew the girl, turned to me. "That was precious. Who is she?" Do you remember the joy you felt when you were adopted and given a new name? The moment you became a Christian was cause for great celebration. Did your new family in Christ surround you with hugs and encouragement? Did you call your parents to tell them? Did you stop by someone's house on your way home to share your news? Remember that zeal? That passion you had for the Lord? Remember the great things you were going to do for him and his kingdom. What happened? There was a time when we wanted to tell everyone about our new life. We could've shouted it from the rooftops, declared it to the world, and written it across the skies. We were going to convert the masses, but then something happened. We moved Jesus to Sunday morning and maybe on a good week, Wednesday night. We replaced our first love with stress, worries, and commitments. Isn't it time that we find the enthusiasm that we once had? Like that little, brown eyed girl who was ready to tell the whole world about her new home and her name, we must also. We are children of God (Ephesians 1:5, I John 3:1). Shouldn't we be telling others? Find that passion you once had. Tell the world you’re saved and salvation is possible for them as well. You've been changed. Now, go change the world. ---- Read this article online, write your reaction, and read others' comments as well. Click here: http://tinyurl.com/yaouffk You can help get the word out. Here's how: http://www.forthright.net/editorial/lend_a_hand.html