How can we ensure our worship is "seasoned with salt" as in Exodus 30:35? Revisiting Exodus 30:35 “and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.” Why Salt Matters to God • Purity – Salt was a natural purifier; God wants worship free from corruption (Leviticus 2:13). • Covenant – “An everlasting covenant of salt” (Numbers 18:19) speaks of loyalty and permanence. • Preservation – Salt keeps food from decay; true worship preserves sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13–14). • Flavor – Salt makes food enjoyable; worship should delight the Lord (Psalm 147:11) and edify His people. • Symbol of Sacrifice – “Everyone will be salted with fire” (Mark 9:49), linking salt to refining hardship that produces a pleasing offering. Principles for Salt-Seasoned Worship • Purity of Heart – Approach God cleansed by Christ’s blood (Hebrews 10:22). – Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). • Covenant Faithfulness – Obey revealed commands, not personal preference (John 14:15). – Keep hymns, prayers, and preaching centered on Christ’s finished work (Colossians 1:18). • Preservation of Truth – Read and sing Scripture aloud (1 Timothy 4:13; Ephesians 5:19). – Reject teachings that dilute the gospel (Galatians 1:6–9). • Pleasing Aroma – Offer “a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15). – Give generously and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), another fragrant offering (Philippians 4:18). • Flavorful Joy – Express thankfulness (Psalm 100:4). – Celebrate the Lord’s Supper regularly, remembering the covenant sealed in His blood (1 Corinthians 11:24–26). Practical Ways to Add Salt Today • Prepare before gathering—pray, meditate on the passage to be taught, arrive expectant. • Keep Scripture central—let songs, readings, and sermons flow from the text. • Foster unity—resolve conflicts quickly (Matthew 5:23–24). • Guard speech—“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). • Incorporate silence—moments of reverent stillness help hearts savor God’s presence (Habakkuk 2:20). • Serve one another—greeting newcomers, helping parents, visiting shut-ins (Galatians 5:13). • Maintain reverence—dress, demeanor, and décor should reflect the holiness of the gathering place. • Engage body and soul—sing wholeheartedly, lift hands, kneel, or bow as Scripture models (Psalm 95:6). Guarding the Saltiness • Stay in personal devotion—daily Word and prayer keep hearts tender (Joshua 1:8). • Practice accountability—elders and mature believers lovingly correct drift (Hebrews 13:17). • Discern cultural influences—keep trends that serve truth, discard those that distract (Romans 12:2). • Persist through trial—“Have salt among yourselves” (Mark 9:50) even when worship costs comfort or reputation. Scriptures to Keep at Hand Leviticus 2:13; Numbers 18:19; Matthew 5:13; Mark 9:49-50; Romans 12:1; Colossians 4:6; Hebrews 13:15. |
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