Pass the Salt (Part 1)

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:13-16

“Catch!” Mom tossed a package of napkins to Chase, who was helping her pack the picnic basket. “Okay, we’ve got plates, silverware, napkins, cups…what else should we pack?” She looked around the kitchen thoughtfully. “Salt! We’ll want it for the fish we catch, and for the corn on the cob too.”

Just then Dad walked in. “Are you ready? I’ve got all the gear packed in the car. Let’s get going!” Chase scooped up the picnic basket, Mom grabbed the cooler, and they were off to the lake.

To Chase’s great delight, they did catch some fish. Dad showed him how to filet them so there would be no bones, and then they grilled them while Mom set the table. “Man, that smells great!” Chase said.

When the fish were ready, Dad thanked God for the food. “I’m starving,” Chase said when they finished praying. He took a big bite of fish. “Whoa! Needs salt.”

“Salt!” Mom said. “I didn’t see it in the picnic basket. Did you put it in, Chase?”

“Oh no!” said Chase. “I forgot! And this fish really needs it.” But there was no salt, so they ate their meal without it.

“You know,” Mom said as they finished eating, “our picnic food tastes pretty flat without salt, and that reminds me how people’s lives can be flat too. That’s why God uses Christians to add salt to them.”

“How can we salt someone’s life?” asked Chase. “Dump salt on their head?”

Dad chuckled. “No, but think of your friend Wyatt. Since his dad died, his mom has been pretty busy. Wyatt doesn’t get to do very many special things, so his life probably seems flat, full of boredom and sadness. If we had invited him along on this picnic, it would have put a little flavor into his life. We could have showed him God’s love during this difficult time.”

“Yes—and I wish we had done that,” said Mom. “Let’s pray that Jesus would use us to add salt to the lives of the people around us.”

“Can we go on another picnic next Saturday?” Chase asked eagerly. “I’ll invite Wyatt—and I won’t forget to pack the salt!” – A. W. Smith

How About You?

Did you know that Christians are like salt? They add flavor to the lives of the people around them by showing them the love of Jesus. What are some ways you could add salt to someone’s life? Could the new kid at your school use a friend? Does a younger brother or sister need help with their homework? When you add salt to other people’s lives, they get a taste of what Jesus is like.

Today’s Key Verse:
Matthew 5:13 You are the salt of the earth. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Show others God’s love