Salt Substitute

Posted on April 27, 2021 by Catey Stover in Freedom Fighters

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24

There seems to be a “Salt Substitute” that tastes like salt but is, a substitute. There’s a quote that I think is valid, “If the Holy Spirit left the Church 90% of churches would be business as usual”.

In the sermon on the mount Jesus begins His training of the Disciples by teaching the concept, “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”. There is no substitute for the true message of the Gospel.

I know if I am not careful to worship God in “Spirit and Truth” I can get caught up in a “Salt Substitute” mentality that looks and tastes like Christianity but is in essence a substitute. There are many “feel good” movements that conduct themselves under the banner of Christianity but are substitutes and cause division.

Even some morally and ethically motivated tasks can be more harmful than good. In some of my fleshly motivated endeavors that became exhausting and confrontational, I was hit with a phrase that has stuck with me ever since. “Although a noble task, it’s still you doing what you wanna do.” In a culture that thrives on recognition and approval it is easy to take up a banner in the name of morality and simply be “Salt Substitute”.

The encounter with the Woman at the well is where I see Jesus demonstrating the true purpose of the Gospel. His focus is not on the woman’s physical wellbeing, but her spiritual. There are certainly times where God wants us to fill the needs of the helpless but if we only provide provisions or even save them from their circumstances and they don’t respond to the Gospel, they will be well-fed and comforted people going to hell.

Let’s make sure our banner of Christ-centered Gospel-driven actions are the true salt, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Amen!

Written by Rob Russomano: Rob Russomano is married to Terri, he is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full-time staff member. He is also available as a speaker of the grace of God with a message of Hope for church events. You can contact him at rrussomano@americaskeswick.org.


Think About This: “your hope is not to be found in your willingness and ability to endure, but in God’s unshakable, enduring commitment to never turn from his work of grace.” ― Paul David Tripp

The Daily Bible Reading: Reflection | You can download our 2021 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here. 

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [f]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” –John 16:33

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