I have been beyond excited to be a part of the launch team for Jen Hatmaker’s new book, For the Love. It has only been a week and the lessons from the book and the discussions within the launch team have been awesome. The full title of the book is, For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards. I can’t say much about the book yet, but let me share this quote: “You are good at something for a reason. God designed you this way, on purpose. It isn’t fake or a fluke or small. These are the mind and heart and hands and voice you’ve been given, so use them.” So I have been encouraged to use my gifts, and to support others to using theirs. Go us!
The sermon given by Dr. John Bryan at church on Sunday just built on this lesson. The sermon was titled “Step Out . . . of the Salt Shaker.” The verse from Matthew tells us that we are the salt of the earth. What does that mean? Dr. Bryan encouraged us to look at what salt is used for – to preserve and to flavor. Spiritually salty people preserve God’s Word and make a difference, they spread the saltiness, they flavor the world. Salt is useless just sitting in its container. Get out of the salt shaker!
So I was challenged. I had already been reading about being myself and using my gifts – now I was shown I needed to apply these lessons. So I am trying to apply them. Using my own special set of gifts. I don’t have to be like that other mom to be a good mom; I don’t have to be like that other teacher to be a good teacher; I don’t have to be like that other Christian to be a good Christian. I just have to serve God with my gifts the best way I can.
Simple, yet profound lessons. Be you. Embrace your gifts. Share Jesus. Be salty!
Col. 3:23
An Ordinary View 
I’m right there with ya. I just committed to leading a brand new Sunday school class at church. and now I’m one of the #chosen
this is scary stuff! but I can be salty.
I know, Brooke. Right now I alternate between being so nervous about all this new stuff, and thoroughly excited. More and more the excitement is winning out! 🙂
Thank You so much for joining the link-up. I love, love this post. As a new Bible study teacher I am constantly reminding myself to use “my” gifts and lead the way God has designed me to. It is especially hard when self-doubt has been a thorn in my side my whole life.
My youngest daughter {7} recently learned about Matthew 5:13 in her Bible study class. Now her favorite saying is, “Stay Salty!” I love it!
Thank you! Thanks for providing the link up. That is a great idea. I am trying read as many launch team members blogs as I can. It is such a great group.
love when sermon’s align with the truths that God is teaching us specifically!