Living the “Salt Life”
- Lori Ogilbee
- Sep 12, 2024
- 3 min read
“We are meant to stand firm on the saltiness of the Word and in our faith, and in every morning’s spilled milk, late for the bus, forgot the homework, and last in the drop off-line moments.”
“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, let him hear.” Luke 14:34-35 ESV
My husband and I moved to the Hilton Head area almost three years ago, and if you’ve spent any time here at all, you’ve seen the “Salt Life” decals and merch everywhere. I’ll be honest, at first, I looked at the decals as an awesome marketing tool for the company that they represent, selling fishing and surf equipment and apparel. It is trendy to have one on your car if you vacation down here, and many people who live here sport them too. They even have their own retail outlet store!
One day, when I was stuck in traffic (we have lots of that here, especially in the summer, giving you plenty of time to ponder life), I was behind a car that had one of the infamous decals. At that moment, something occurred to me. Living the “salt life” means so much more than this decal’s intended meaning. It’s not about watersports and adventures. It’s not about sun and sand. It’s about embracing words and deeds that make those around us thirst for God.
When Jesus walked the Earth, salt was used as a preservative as well as a symbol of purity and covenant. I am called to bring the “flavor” of Christ into this world. Oof. Have I become complacent in the busyness of my own little world? I’m to wear the fruits of the Spirit on my life, adding truth and love into my words and actions. Otherwise, I blend into the world so much that my ability to influence others and direct them toward Him is lost. Without my salt, I have no value.
Mom friends, we have been called. We are meant to stand firm on the saltiness of the Word and in our faith, and in every morning’s spilled milk, late for the bus, forgot the homework, and last in the drop off-line moments.
Fully embrace and live the salt life. Preserve influence with your kids when the morning’s gone haywire. Preserve influence with the person who just cut you off as you were trying to patiently wait your turn in that drop off-line. Preserve influence in a culture that has drifted away from the one and only Way, Truth and Life.
Action Steps:
Examine your saltiness. Are you living your faith in a way that influences others, or have you become complacent in some ways?
Renew your commitment. Ask God to renew your passion for the Salt Life. Pray for strength to live your faith boldly and preserve your influence
Be a blessing. Find a way to share an act of kindness with those around you. Begin with just a small shake of your salt, and allow the small acts to become larger ones.
Prayer: God, thank You for calling me to the salt life. Help me preserve my saltiness for You. Renew my passion and my courage to be a positive influence in this world. Allow my life to draw others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by Lori, mom of 2, Lolli of 2