So, what is "saltiness" or "flavor"? The word for "loses its flavor" in the original language means "to become foolish." If you are like me, your first reation to that is "huh?" Is Jesus saying tht losing flavor is becoming foolish, or going through a process of making wrong decisions? Or, in other words, being salty is growing in wisdom, or going through a process of making wise decisions?
Maybe.
Growing in wisdom is learning how to make right decisions. One might say that decisions that are profitable, minimize failure, and enhance relationships are wise.
Decisions are the buildings blocks of charactor. Old decisions provide the basis for new decisions. They are drawn from our values and priorities. Successful decisions confirm those values and priorities. Thus, making it more likely that we will make similar decisions in similar circumstances in the future. Unsuccessful decisions send us back to the drwing board.
Scripture throws one huge wrinkle into the mix. It takes into consideration a fundamental decision that becomes the bedrock for all other decisions. What do you do with God?
Scripture says that the most important, most fundamental decision is to choose allegiance with the Creator of All. When that decision is made, a group of values and priorities are introduced into the person's life, and in a progressive fashion, introduced into his contexts and environments.
And, as the person lives in agreement and congruence with these values and priorities, he impacts the enivronment and the people in the environment.
Saltiness is the effect of living a life that is based on its relationship with God, living in agreement with God's original design for people, and its redemptive, restorative impact. Such a life loses its "saltiness" when the person does not take this first relationship into account, or makes decisions without the influences of this relationship.
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