Mark 9 v 42 - 50 (NLT) says, "But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone hung around your neck. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It's better to enter eternal life with only one hand than to go into the unquenchable fires of hell with two hands. If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It's better to enter eternal life with only one foot than to be thrown into hell with two feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. It's better to enter the Kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, where the maggots never die and the fire never goes out. For everyone will be tested with fire. Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavour, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other."

Firstly, Jesus said this. So it's not my words, it is the words of God. So listen up. If you sin - which everyone does - it says to cut off the part of the body causing you to sin. This, in my opinion, does not mean physically cutting it off, in most cases. It means to stop thinking the way you are thinking, and to actively and knowingly stop what you are doing that is wrong. This means effort, yes, and it's not always easy. You don't, after all, get tempted by things you hate - like mushrooms in Keith's case! He will not eat them even if they are put in front of him for only him to eat. So you are tempted by earthly things you like. Galatians explains this, too. I encourage you to have a read.

The first verse of the passage above is interesting. It is talking about not leading others into sin. If you are struggling with something, you are not meant to walk alone. You are not designed to. Everyone needs support and friendship, so yes, do tell friends about your troubles. But be careful you do not lead them to sin, too. By using the image of "little ones" it also suggests that people younger than you, or maybe those you have the opportunity to teach or watch grow in the Spirit, can be influenced greatly by your choice of words. Watch your words. Be kind to those around you, and when you are speaking about God do not give them false information. It also suggests that although the "little one" is trusting in God, their trust is so much in you instead by the end if you cause them to sin. So, make sure every relationship you have is three-way. You, them and God.

Salt makes things taste salty, right? Clue in the name. But if it's not salty you do not use it on food. Because it isn't needed. Are you needed? Be like salt, let God use you in your every day life, not just your "spiritual life" - they are the same thing. Let your life be filled with God's little missions and purposes for you, keep listening to what He wants to say to you, for yourself and others, what He wants you to do, who He wants you to talk to, etc. There is more going on than you think. If you lose the saltiness in your life, how do you regain it? Do not lose your flavour, your passion for God. If you say yes to God, He has already stretched out His arms and said yes to you. Are you ready? Say yes today, and go capture the world for Jesus!