Devotional

Desire - Part 2

By LeoSayles

Ready 
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men."

-Matthew 5:13 

Set 
In yesterday's devo, we talked about our own personal desire to love and serve the Lord, and how that will keep us focused on His game plan. Today, we'll focus on what role desire plays in others. Specifically, what do your words and actions inspire in those around you? 
 
If we are seeking to fulfill Christ's Great Commission to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:16-20), then our actions should have specific results. We should see the hunger for God's goodness and the thirst for the things of Heaven grow and develop in those around us. 
 
If we investigated the different relationships Christ had with sinners, we find that He always stirred within them a desire to know more and to want more. John 4:15 - "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty. . ." John 3:4 - "How can a man. . .be born again?" He set people on a quest to obtain what He offered: eternal life.
 
The verse above says that we should be "salty." How do we live as "salt of the earth?" I believe we become salt when everything about our lives radiates the love and grace of God. Whether it is our efforts on the court that lead our opponents to respect us, or acts of kindness toward our teammates, we should "rub off" on those around us. We should leave an impression with them, and that impression should be Christ.
 

Zach Johnson, after his victory at the Masters a week and a half ago, was asked what he carried with him that helped him maintain his lead in the final round. He said, "My faith is very important to me, and with this being Easter, I know Jesus walked with me." Johnson's victory will be remembered for a long time. What is just as wonderful is that his desire for God was evident in his speech and actions afterward. And I am sure someone, somewhere, through Johnson's actions and words, took a step further on their journey toward Christ. 

Go 
1. Is your life "salty"? If not, what do you need to change?
2. What do others see in you that is different? Does it point toward Christ?

3. What would change if your efforts became sincerely focused on pleasing God? Would anyone notice a difference? 

Workout 
Matthew 5:16

2 Corinthians 2:14-17 

Bible Reference: 
2 Corinthians 2
Sport 
Golf