Jesus is Being Served, Are You Making Him Palatable 2

Devotional

Day 1: Salty Identity—You Are the Salt of the Earth

God has declared over you a new identity: you are the salt of the earth, called to bring out the God-flavors in your world. This is not a future possibility or a distant hope, but a present reality for everyone who has chosen to follow Jesus. Your presence is meant to make Christ known, to influence your environment for righteousness, and to reflect His beauty and character wherever you go. You are not here by accident; you are a missionary, an ambassador, and an influencer for the Kingdom of God in your family, workplace, and community. Embrace this identity and let it shape how you see yourself and your purpose every day. [12:54]

Matthew 5:13 (New King James Version)
“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.”

Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to start seeing yourself as God’s “salt”—an influencer and ambassador for Christ—and how can you intentionally step into that role this week?

Day 2: Salty Living—Let Your Presence Transform and Heal

As salt, your life is meant to preserve, flavor, heal, and protect the world around you. Just as salt was precious and valuable in ancient times, your presence is vital in your family, church, and community. God uses you to bring healing to wounded hearts, to drive away darkness, and to make your environment more fruitful and joyful. Even when you feel small or insignificant, remember that your influence is essential—without you, the “flavor” and hope of Christ would be missing in your sphere. Allow God to use you to bring His healing, protection, and productivity wherever you go. [25:29]

Mark 9:49-50 (New King James Version)
“For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt. Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

Reflection: Who is one person in your life right now who needs the healing, encouragement, or protection that comes from Christ in you? How can you intentionally bring “God-flavor” to them today?

Day 3: Beware of Lost Saltiness—Guard Against Compromise and Bitterness

Salt can lose its effectiveness when it absorbs too much from its environment—just as believers can lose their spiritual influence through compromise, busyness, or harboring bitterness and unforgiveness. The world’s pressures, distractions, and offenses can harden your heart and diminish your impact. But God calls you to self-examination, to guard your heart, and to refuse to let the world’s atmosphere shape you. Instead, choose forgiveness, let go of bitterness, and keep your spiritual disciplines strong so that your saltiness is preserved and your witness remains powerful. [36:51]

Matthew 5:13 (The Message)
“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.”

Reflection: Is there any area of compromise, bitterness, or distraction that is dulling your spiritual “saltiness”? What step can you take today to guard your heart and restore your influence?

Day 4: Forgiveness Restores Saltiness—Release Offense and Embrace Grace

Unforgiveness and bitterness contaminate your soul and cause you to lose your saltiness, but God’s grace is greater than any offense. No one has wronged you as much as you have wronged God, yet He has forgiven you completely and canceled your debt. When you choose to forgive others, you reflect the heart of Christ and restore your spiritual effectiveness. Let go of every offense, big or small, and allow God’s grace to flow through you, bringing freedom and restoration to your relationships and your own heart. [34:56]

Matthew 18:21-35 (New King James Version)
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”
Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.
So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.
So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

Reflection: Who is one person you need to forgive or release from offense today? What practical step can you take to extend God’s grace to them?

Day 5: Saltiness Restored—Jesus Renews and Empowers You

Even if you have lost your saltiness through sin, compromise, or discouragement, Jesus is able to restore, redeem, and revive you. His declaration over you—“You are the salt of the earth”—contains all the power and enablement you need to stand, overcome, and fulfill your purpose. No matter your past or present struggles, God’s grace is sufficient to lift you up, break every chain, and send you out again as His representative. Receive His restoration today, and go forth to make Jesus known in every area of your life. [41:22]

John 8:10-11 (New King James Version)
When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?”
She said, “No one, Lord.”
And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

Reflection: Where do you need to receive Jesus’ restoration and fresh empowerment today? How will you step out in renewed confidence to “salt” your world for Him?

Sermon Summary

Happy Mother’s Day to all the women, and a warm welcome to everyone gathered. Today, we celebrate not only mothers, but the unique calling and identity that each of us carries as followers of Christ. Jesus declared, “You are the salt of the earth,” and this is not a suggestion or a future hope—it is a present reality. This identity is not based on our own merit, but on the transforming work of Christ in us. Just as salt was a precious, valuable commodity in ancient times, so are you—bought with a price, set apart to bring out the God-flavors in the world around you.

Being salt means more than just existing; it means influencing, preserving, healing, and enhancing the environments God has placed us in. Whether in our families, workplaces, schools, or communities, our presence is meant to drive away darkness, bring healing to the wounded, and foster productivity and peace. We are not called to blend in, but to stand out as “earth atmosphere influencers,” shaping culture and relationships with the love and power of Christ.

Yet, it’s possible to lose our saltiness. When we absorb too much from the world—its bitterness, busyness, unforgiveness, or compromise—we become hardened and stuck, unable to flow freely in our calling. Like salt that clumps in the shaker, we need a spiritual “banging” to be loosened and restored. Self-examination is crucial: Are we allowing the trials, offenses, and distractions of life to rob us of our effectiveness? Are we holding onto bitterness or unforgiveness, forgetting the immeasurable debt Christ has forgiven us?

But there is hope. Even if saltiness is lost, it can be restored. Jesus is the great restorer, redeemer, and reviver. His declaration over us—“You are the salt of the earth”—contains all the power and grace we need to be released into our purpose. No matter how stuck or compromised we may feel, Christ’s word over us is stronger. As we yield to Him, He heals our wounds, breaks our addictions, and empowers us to influence our world for His glory. Let us rise up, take our place, and flavor the earth with the goodness of God.

Key Takeaways

1. Salty Identity: Embracing Who You Are in Christ The declaration “You are the salt of the earth” is not a future promise but a present reality. Our identity as salt is rooted in Christ’s finished work, not our own efforts. Recognizing this truth empowers us to live with purpose and confidence, knowing we are valuable and set apart to reveal God’s character wherever we go. [10:15]
2. Salty Living: Influence Beyond Words Salt preserves, flavors, heals, and protects. In the same way, our lives are meant to bring preservation to decaying culture, flavor to blandness, healing to the wounded, and protection against evil. Our influence is not limited to church walls; it extends to every sphere—family, workplace, school—where our presence should make a tangible difference for Christ. [19:53]
3. Beware of Absorbing the Wrong Atmosphere Just as salt absorbs moisture and can become clumped and ineffective, we too can absorb the world’s attitudes, distractions, and sins. When we allow bitterness, busyness, or compromise to harden our hearts, we lose our ability to flow in God’s purpose. Regular self-examination and repentance keep us free and effective as God’s influencers. [27:18]
4. The Danger of Lost Saltiness: Compromise and Unforgiveness Losing our saltiness often comes through compromise with the world or harboring unforgiveness and bitterness. The parable of the unforgiving servant reminds us that no one has wronged us as much as we have wronged God, yet He forgave us completely. Letting go of offense and embracing forgiveness restores our effectiveness and keeps our hearts tender before God. [32:28]
5. Restoration is Always Possible in Christ Even if we have lost our saltiness, Jesus offers restoration. His word over us carries the power to break every chain, heal every wound, and revive our calling. No matter how far we’ve strayed or how stuck we feel, Christ’s grace is sufficient to restore us to fruitful, influential living. [40:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:36] - Honoring the “Salty Sisters”
[01:56] - The Beauty of Yieldedness to Christ
[02:37] - Jesus Is Being Served: Making Him Palatable
[03:55] - Key Scriptures: Salt of the Earth
[05:05] - The Whole Counsel: Seeing the Full Picture
[07:41] - The Beatitudes and Our Calling
[08:57] - Secret Sins and the Heart
[10:15] - Salty Identity: Why You Are Here
[12:54] - Earth Atmosphere Influencers
[16:02] - The Value and Uses of Salt
[19:53] - Salt as Healing and Protection
[24:49] - Salt as Fertilizer: Productivity and Fruitfulness
[26:43] - Salty and Stuck: Absorbing the Wrong Atmosphere
[30:36] - Saltiness Lost: Causes and Consequences
[32:28] - The Power of Forgiveness
[36:51] - The Case Study of Samson
[40:02] - Saltiness Restored: Release and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 5:13 (ESV) — > “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.”

Luke 14:34-35 (ESV) — > “Salt is good, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is of no use either for the soil or for the manure pile. It is thrown away. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Matthew 18:21-35 (ESV) — > (Parable of the Unforgiving Servant – see especially verses 23-35)

Observation Questions

In Matthew 5:13, what does Jesus say about the identity and purpose of His followers? What happens if salt loses its saltiness?
According to Luke 14:34-35, what are the consequences when salt is no longer useful?
In the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35), what was the difference between the debt the servant owed and the debt he refused to forgive?
The sermon described several uses of salt in ancient times. What were some of these uses, and how do they relate to the way Christians are called to live? [[16:42]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says, “You are the salt of the earth” is not a future hope, but a present reality for every believer. What does it mean for your identity to be rooted in Christ’s finished work, not your own efforts? [[13:28]]
The preacher talked about “absorbing the wrong atmosphere” and becoming “stuck” like clumped salt. What are some ways Christians can absorb the world’s attitudes or distractions, and how does this affect their influence? [[27:18]]
Why is unforgiveness and bitterness compared to losing your saltiness? How does holding onto offense make us less effective as followers of Jesus? [[32:28]]
The sermon says that even if we have lost our saltiness, Jesus can restore us. What does restoration look like in the life of a believer who feels “stuck” or ineffective? [[40:02]]

Application Questions

The sermon said, “God has sent you as a missionary to Canada…as salt of the earth to sprinkle you in the decay of this earth and of this country.” In your daily life—at home, work, or school—where do you sense God has placed you to be “salt”? What does that look like practically? [[10:55]]
Salt preserves, flavors, heals, and protects. Which of these aspects do you feel you are living out well, and which one do you want to grow in? Can you think of a recent situation where your presence brought healing or peace? [[19:53]]
The sermon warned about “absorbing the wrong atmosphere”—busyness, bitterness, compromise, or distractions. Is there a specific area where you feel you’ve been absorbing too much from the world? What is one step you can take this week to “loosen” yourself and be more available for God’s purpose? [[27:18]]
The parable of the unforgiving servant reminds us that we have been forgiven a huge debt. Is there someone you are struggling to forgive? What would it look like to release that person and regain your “saltiness”? [[32:28]]
The preacher said, “Your very presence should drive away evil spirits and bring protection.” Do you believe your presence changes the atmosphere in your home, workplace, or community? Why or why not? [[21:06]]
The sermon described how salt can get “stuck” and needs to be “banged” to flow again. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you feel stuck or hardened? What would it look like to let God “loosen” you? [[26:43]]
Jesus restores saltiness. If you feel you’ve lost your effectiveness or passion, what is one prayer or action you can take this week to invite Jesus to restore you? [[40:02]]

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Jesus is Being Served, Are You Making Him Palatable 2 | Toyin Okutinyang