A few years ago, I was on a mission trip to Mexico about this time of year and I remember the temperature being 113 degrees (yep, that's hot). One morning the missionary we were working with iced down a couple of really good and sweet watermelons which, as you can imagine, was a real treat in the heat of the afternoon. The only problem, at least for me, was that there was no salt. You see, where I grew up in East Texas we always put salt on our watermelons, on our cantaloupes, on our honeydew melons, on just about everything I guess. To me it just makes it taste better. Until recently I thought that was the way that everybody did it. Evidently not. I have had some folks around here look at me like I'm crazy for putting salt on a watermelon. My answer is always the same though; it just makes it taste better.
In Colossians 4:5-6, Paul tells the church to be wise when they relate to people who don't know Christ, to be gracious towards them and to flavor their speech with salt. What Paul is saying is that Christians should certainly share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those around them but that we have to be kind and shouldn't be rude about it. Confronting sin is difficult. Sometimes the truth is painful. When a person becomes convicted of sin, it causes shame. It's a hurtful process by nature --a necessary one, but hurtful all the same. I know; I've been there.
We don't get points with God for getting doors slammed in our faces, or for making people angry, or for being unnecessarily offensive. The gospel is already offensive to those who are lost; we don't need to add to it. What we need to do is realize that God is the one who draws people to Himself. The Holy Spirit will convict people of sin and reveal to them their need for Christ. He is the one who brings people to faith and repentance. God wants us to share the gospel and tell people the truth, but He wants us to do it with love. Here's a tip, try using some social skills when telling others about the Lord. In other words, use a little salt. Remember, what we want is to be used by God to draw people to Him, not push people away.
I can eat watermelon without any salt, but I'd rather not. I can also be a Christian and still act like a jerk, but I'd rather not. I'd rather be known for loving people and being full of grace. I have argued with people before over beliefs and sometimes I have won the argument, but I've never won anyone to the Lord by arguing with them. You don't have to agree with someone to love them.
Romans 5:8 says, "While we were yet sinners Christ died for us."
A little salt goes a long way and so does a little love. By the way, when I asked that missionary for some salt, he gave me chili powder. I guess to each their own, but I'll stick with the salt.
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Editor's note: Paul Bryant is the pastor of First Baptist Church, Garfield. He can be contacted by email at [email protected]
Religion on 07/09/2014