The need to live in community and to feel a sense of belonging is fundamental to who we are as human beings. Living alongside others helps us to develop our sense of identity, morals, purpose and values. We help each other grow, learn and create and when community works together for the common good, all are able to flourish and are supported to live life to the full.

Jesus reminds us though that the opposite can also be true. By saying ‘have salt in yourselves; he means to keep pure or preserve that which is good. He knows that we have the potential to be tempted into sinning, making, what seems like small compromises that overtime can lead us away from God and can create conflict within relationships. Jesus therefore calls us to actively avoid or remove the influences that cause us to stray and sin so that we don’t also lead others to sin or cause unnecessary conflict within the community.

Jesus knows that this can be difficult to do and that it can require great sacrifice at times and even be painful. Yet, he asks this of us anyway, as the benefit of preserving what is good within us for the sake of our salvation and that of others in the long term far outweighs any seeming discomfort in the short term.

Take some time in prayer to affirm what is good within you and the influences in your life that help preserve this goodness.

by Steph Jorna