The Church as Salt Shaker
The world’s view of church is attractive but, of course, destructive.
There is a showy worship production element to church life.
It is not possible to remove entertainment from our church activities because this proclivity is a part of the human personality.
However, because this aspect is so visible and dominates the attention of lot’s of people all at once, it is easy for passersby to conclude that this is what church is.
To the world outside, the church is just a part of showbiz.
Nothing solid or important about it.
It’s a business that exists like all others to attract “customers” in order to grow bigger and financially stronger over time.
This is the distortion of what the true church is really all about.
If I were to write down the ways salt people serve, the list might not end any time soon.
But to give you an idea of what I think are important acts of unnoticed service, I will name a few.
Cleaning the restrooms.
Preparing meals.
Vacuuming carpets.
Picking up trash.
Secretarial and other office duties.
Repairing and painting walls.
Sound and lighting duties.
And here’s another way to describe salt.
Everything that involves smiling, as well as assisting children, the elderly, and special needs people.
Shaking hands, giving hugs, and words of welcome and encouragement fit the list. Everything that makes a stranger want to return over and over.
You see, it isn’t certain people who are salt and it isn’t certain activities that are salt, it is the daily little common activities that reflect a love for others above one’s own status that matter.
Do we need great preaching and music?
You bet!
But more than this, salt speaks to the quiet loving disciples Jesus spoke to, who today are the church leaders - those who really understand that church is not a business, but a family.
You want to experience a healthy church?
Find the ones where everyone leads and everyone serves.