Out in the desert east of San Diego, is a huge puddle that measures 35x16-miles that is. A sea in the middle of the desert, at 228 feet below sea level. A puddle, that except for rare occasions has no source of water, and is so alkaline that you cannot swim in it. It is called the Salton Sea, and for little over 100 years, this puddle has been a source of confusion for anyone connected to it. At one time 50 years ago, it was an outdoor resort, where the rich from Palm Springs would go, and mix with Hollywood celebrities at resorts, for swimming, fishing, and water skiing. Before it became alkaline. Today it is a modern ghost town, with ghosts of the past outnumbering the current inhabitants.
Since it sits so low, runoff from the Imperial Valley farmers would run into it, and along with it silt and fertilizers, which would eventually killed the sea-literally. In a strange twist, the fish grew so big, that in the heat they couldn't breathe due to the bad water, then wash up on shore. In one day about 15 years ago 7.6 million did in one day! Which just laid there and rotted causing two things-one an incredibly bad smell, but the other is that they became fertilizer, feeding the algae growing in the sea, which the fish ate, and then the fish start the circle again since they can't live in the water because of the high algae content. It seems they actually die of botulism-food poisoning, from their own carcasses! And the birds that migrate and live in the bird preserve, eat them also-and die! So often it takes a crew from the state park service to continually clean up and incinerate them. Only the tilapia, who can withstand the high salt content survive-at least one year. But cannot be eaten.
Today the few hearty inhabitants of the Salton Sea live in obscurity in Salton City, Niland, Salton Beach, and Bombay City. All that is left is what the salt has not consumed, and the few hundred who live here are there because they want to be. Either leftovers from its halcyon days, or those few trying to hide from the gangs in LA. If ever a Twilight Zone area existed, the Salton Sea is it. Which despite itself killing itself, lives on. Despite itself.
Jesus tells us we are to be the salt of the earth. But what happens when salt loses its flavor, like it has in Salton? Just like the sea, it will consume its own, and those whom it touches. While some teaching tell us to go out and spread that salt indiscriminately, only in the spirit does the salt retain its flavor, and true purpose. When led by the spirit, we grow and bless others, but on our own we become alkaline. We all know some well meaning Christian who when approaching us, we look to avoid. They preach, boast of the Bible, but they have a form of God, but not the true God. Maybe if their lives preached the Bible instead of using words only. They are missing the love aspect, and rather win an argument than see lives changed by Jesus. Just as their salt loses its flavor, and they become effective, they also force their light on others-a high beam when the low beam of love is called for. Secure in the knowledge they are doing what God commands-but couldn't be more wrong. Not what God ever wanted or called for.
If you are going on your own without God-legalism may be directing you. Stop going it alone, and follow Jesus. He alone changes lives, His salt has flavor, and you can follow His light. Only in the spirit will you be blessed and enjoy the fullness of Jesus Christ.
If your life resembles the Salton Sea, unlike it, your life can be recovered. Turn from your sin, turn to God, and follow Him. It is called repentance-not a u-turn, but a turn to Jesus. A u-turn just might put you back into the sea!
The Salton Sea area never intended to turn into a death trap. At one time it was alive and vibrant. Christian walks don't start out on a death walk either. One bad decision can send you the wrong way, but one right decision will restore you. Stay close to God, and follow Him and not your own understanding. Let Jesus season your life, and give life to your seasons. Just the right amount of salt and light to give you life!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogpsot.com