February
16
Tags
Pass the Salt, please
Did you know there was such a thing as “Salt Art?” In 2016, creating art with table salt was all the rage. This work is by Mexican-born artist Rob Ferrel (pictured), who became one of the most prolific Salt Art artists. This art cannot be sold. It is made for the moment and then disappears. Temporary art created in a fleeting moment, but beautiful none the less.
Jesus tells us to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). That’s not the worst thing we could be called, but it’s not the best either. If we are salt, we are not the star of the dish. We’re not the filet mignon or shrimp scampi. Neither are we an eagerly anticipated dessert. Not the ice cream or apple pie. No, we don’t get much attention. No one has ever gotten excited about sodium casserole or salt pudding. The other day I was eating a microwave dinner and my husband commented on how much salt I eat, being that microwave dinners are full of the stuff. I didn’t appreciate his comment much.
Salt is in a dish for the sake of the other ingredients. It disappears once it has been sprinkled on. But don’t put on too much, because even though it may be invisible, it can still be potent.
What is Christ implying when he says we should be salt? Perhaps that we are to be content helping others be the best they can be without expecting any of the glory. Our time on this earth is limited and we may never be center stage or even dimly lit in the sidelines, but we are still essential. We are a small part of a bigger whole—an important ingredient of the banquet table.
Being Human connection: As people of God, we can bring the distinctive flavoring of God’s values to all we do in life. We can make life more tasty, more exciting, more colorful and joyful—not necessarily for our sake, but for the sake of those around us. As with all that Jesus teaches us, our “salt” is not only in the words we speak but also in the deeds we do.
Featured art: Rob Ferrel, “Portrait of Christ,” 2016. ©Rob Ferrel
What a beautiful portrayal of our Jesus. Your art pieces are all interesting and unique, but this one is exceptional. With a careless swipe or tempting poof of air, our salt can be diminished so easily. This tells me how precious, yet fragile my relationship with Christ can be.It must be carefully preserved.
So true Carol. Precious but fragile is a good way to put it. Somedays I worry about the fragility of my faith but I am encouraged to know that God is faithful even when I am not.