Bible Study for Christian Women and Pastors Wives - I Am The Salt - 3

Bible Study for Christian Women and Pastors Wives - I Am The Salt - 3
     "Every sacrifice shall be salted with salt." Mark 9:49 b
     This whole verse are words of Jesus Christ that commentators cannot seem to come to an agreement as to meaning. However, they do tend to use a phrase that is not exactly a Biblical phrase: "salt of grace" but rather one probably put together from Colossians 4:6. "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." 
     So, let's just take Mark 9:49b at face value and not try to put things in there that may not be present.
     The word "every" means all of whatever follows. It doesn't mean part; it means all. It doesn't mean some; it means all.
     A sacrifice is an offering. It is something that belongs to someone to willingly gives it to someone or something else. Christ's death on the cross of Calvary was definitely a sacrifice Jesus gave willingly for me. It was His life and He willingly laid it down.
     A parent offers the sacrifice of needed sleep in order to care for a baby or a sick child.
     A mother may have the money for a new outfit that she needs but may sacrifice that in order for her children to have new shoes for a special event.
     A minister or missionary (and spouse) may offer a life committed to serving Christ and forgo financial gain and fame in business.
     A sacrifice that comes to mind is the very real sacrifice of praise as in Hebrews 13:15. "By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name." 
     I remember a very real and sad time my marriage was broken, my family and friends were absentee, any means for income was lacking, and the ministry I had sacrificed for was completely jerked out from underneath me. I was in church, singing genuine praises to God with tears streaming down my face and splashing on my blouse. It was a sacrifice offered freely to God and accepted by Him.
     And, it had been very heavily salted! The salt was both purifying and preserving. During that season, I learned many things about myself - including many things I had to confess and forsake. It was a time of difficult choices with no guarantee of a good outcome except I knew I could trust God. So, I praised Him when in the world's eyes, I had no reason to do so.
     Now, when I tell someone I understand their sacrifice and pain and that with God they can put one foot in front of the other, it's not just words. Not only have I sent the map over the mountain. I've traveled the road truly know some very slippy and jagged places.
     Every Christian is called upon by Jesus Christ, Himself, to give their own self as a living sacrifice, holy, and acceptable unto God. (Romans 12:1) After all, that is our reasonable service.

Be blessed in The Name above every name, Jesus! I know I am.
Linda L Culbreth