“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” Matthew 5:13

Onion Powder

I tried out a new recipe for dinner a few nights ago. I read the ingredients, noted which I already had and which I needed to buy, and sent my husband off to the store. He helped me chop, stir, mix, and measure. Finally he said, “Now we need the onion powder.” I knew I had onion powder—it was in the clear jar with the red lid, right behind every single other thing on the spice shelf.

I moved all the other spices out of the way and finally located it. I had written ONION POWDER on the lid with a fine point Sharpie. It hadn’t really been that long ago, had it? It should still be good. I shook it up to loosen it a bit so I could measure it; I unscrewed the lid and turned it upside down over my measuring spoon, but it wouldn’t budge. It remained as hard as if I was trying to pour the old concrete from the jar. I banged it on the counter several times, and my husband gave it a go as well. I took a knife to it and finally broke off a large chunk, announcing that it looked like about the right amount. I then changed my mind and said that I thought it needed another chunk. Back in went the knife, and out came a small chunk.

But it wouldn’t mix with the other ingredients. My husband took the chunks out and put them in a bit of water. Still nothing. He stood looking at the chunks, then asked if we had a mortar and pestle. Since I never, ever grind my own spices, nor will I ever do so, I said that we did not.

He eventually shaved off tiny chunks and was able to incorporate the spice into the mixture, and the rest of the onion powder went into the trash. (I did save the jar with the Sharpie-marked lid—I may want to buy more onion powder some day.) I don’t know if the onion powder contributed any flavor to the meal, but by golly, it was in there.

This episode taught me a few lessons which are spiritually applicable to our lives.

Use it or lose it. Don’t sit on the shelf too long.

Each contributes something unique. God has given you a certain something that should be used to influence the body of Christ for good.

If you hide it away, you may forget you have it. Pull out your gifts and talents, dust them off, and find a place to use them.

You might need to put out effort to be useful again. The Holy Spirit will show you what to do. Pray and ask Him about this.

Jesus declared that we are the salt of the earth. We are meant to influence others for the kingdom of God. Do you already feel good for nothing? Thrown out? Trampled by men? God can restore your flavor and make you useful again.

Father, though restoration is impossible with man, nothing is impossible for You. Make us alive and useful for Your kingdom.