Your Seasonings

Your Seasonings 

by David Brenneman 

Most people never consider that they carry seasonings with them wherever they go, but they do.

You carry seasonings with you wherever you go as well.  What you do with them determines whether you are lifting someone up or tearing them down. 

If we continue in what we read in Colossians 3, that whatever we do ought to be done as unto the Lord Jesus, then our speech is included. 

"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself can example of those who believe." 1 Timothy 4:12.

"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

"Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29.

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16.

It ought to be clear that indeed our lives are not our own.  We do have work to do in Christ Jesus.  Our transformation is going to happen by way of the Spirit, it's on each of us as to how quickly and how slowly this happens. 

Do you choose your words or do you just turn off that filter?  

Consider the container that seasonings come in.  The lid typically has two sides that open. One for an unrestricted volume to leave the container, the other side is for measured amounts.  It's intentionally restrained.  

Paul, in his admonishing of the saints, had repeatedly brought to mind to his audience his speech, love and conduct.  He reminded them of who it is they represent at all times. 

In every country there are Ambassadors. 

It matters not where that Ambassadors is, they represent their nation.  It does not matter what the occasion is, before they speak or do, they must remember the impact on the nation they represent. 

In Christ the Bible says that we who are in Christ are Ambassadors for Jesus.  We are never "off the clock" any more than any official who is an Ambassador in our world today. 

But how?

"Commit your works to the Lord
And your plans will be established." Proverbs 16:3.

"When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." Proverbs 16:7.

"The wise in heart will be called understanding, And sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness." Proverbs 16:21.

Jesus is who we represent, regardless of how agonizing life may be.  Jesus said that if people hated Him they will hate us too.  Because He is and He will judge concerning sin and all unrighteousness.  

Ambassadors, regardless of personal preference, must convey whatever their governments say.  

In Christ, our hearts are supposed to be molded to the likeness of Jesus Christ.  Our thoughts being checked before they become a something more.  

Our battles are not against flesh and blood.  Paul also said to take every thought captive to the glory of God. 

"We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ," 2 Corinthians 10:5.

We are also...the body of Christ. 

We are in it with a job to do. 

We leave all judgment to Jesus. 

We are to still make judgment calls concerning the fruits of others as well as examining our own fruits to see if they are of the Spirit or not.  

Your seasonings must be from God. 

Your seasonings must be in the right proportions. Not too much, not too little, or in some cases not used at all.  

What is in your heart and mind are what will come out your mouth.  What are you putting in there in the first place?  Secular music, secular movies, videos? Secular speeches. Fantasy books and fiction?  

Jesus has oh so much more prepared for you than you can ever imagine if only out hearts are set on Him.  More than we can ask or think.  But it's on each of us to put obedience to Jesus first. 

For whatever reason that we aren't considering, life is going to try to get you to not season your thoughts or words. This is both our sin nature and that of others.  It's why we need the Word of God. To show us where to improve.  When to repent.

Consider who it is you represent today, even in the solitude of your own life.  Even by yourself you are still tied to your identity in Christ Jesus.  Representing Him well is where "Well done" comes from when we face Him in the near future.  

Use your seasonings well. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. Lockman Foundation.