The Best Seasoning

One of the most difficult things to duplicate when eating gluten-free is bread or sandwich rolls. Several months ago I came across a good, recipe for a tortilla that uses flax meal and can be made in the microwave or oven. Although it does not work really well when spread thin like a flour tortilla, it is wonderful a bit thicker like a pita. I tried splitting the recipe and putting it into round, container lids.  The result was an imitation hamburger style bun that we use frequently.

The original recipe contained a very specific set of spices including onion, paprika and garlic. This seasoning combination sometimes overpowers the rest of the sandwich. Now, when making the bread, the only seasoning that I add every time is the salt. The other seasonings vary by mood and what will be on the bread. For breakfast I may put in a little bit of cinnamon and stevia. For Mexican food there would be more cumin and possibly chili powder. The possibilities are vast and suit the taste at the time.

The message of the gospel is very much like that of this bread.  Jesus even referred to Himself as bread, “I am the Bread of Life [that gives life—the Living Bread].” (John 6:48 AMP)

The flax, egg, baking powder and salt are required components of the recipe. Creation by a God who loves us unconditionally; the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and the promise of eternal life are all required in the gospel. As we can season the bread to suit the accompanying food, we can also share testimonies of the Word of God as they apply to those we are speaking to. As we share the Gospel, specific passages of Scripture may be most appropriate at the time.  Jesus, our greatest example, always met people exactly where they were and at their need.

Nicodemus came to Jesus searching for truth. “Jesus said to him, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except by (through) Me.”  (John 14:6 AMP)  The woman who was at the well needed refreshing for her dry, thirsty soul. Jesus told her, “But whoever takes a drink of the water that I will give him shall never, no never, be thirsty any more. But the water that I will give him shall become a spring of water welling up (flowing, bubbling) [continually] within him unto (into, for) eternal life.” (John 4:14 AMP)  The centurion needed a word from Jesus to heal his servant.  “Then to the centurion Jesus said, Go; it shall be done for you as you have believed. And the servant boy was restored to health at that very moment.” (Matthew 8:13 AMP)  And the servant in the garden needed healing for the ear that had been cut off.  Jesus healed it immediately. “And one of them struck the bond servant of the high priest and cut off his ear, the right one. But Jesus said, Permit them to go so far [as to seize Me]. And He touched the little (insignificant) ear and healed him.”  (Luke 22:50-51 AMP)  There are many more examples of Jesus dealing very specifically with each person He came in contact with.

The apostle Paul said, “For although I am free in every way from anyone's control, I have made myself a bond servant to everyone, so that I might gain the more [for Christ].” (1 Corinthians 9:19 AMP)  Although Paul never compromised the gospel of Jesus Christ, he became like the people in his audience. He spoke to them in a way that they could comprehend the message. He met them where they were. We must do the same. We do not use churchy terminology when speaking to those who do not understand it, but we may use the same language with fellow believers. Regardless of who we are with, the Holy Spirit will give us common ground to share from. He will give us the correct seasoning for our words.

As servants of the Lord we are also called to be salt. “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltiness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men.” (Matthew 5:13 AMP)  In a recipe, salt effects how of all the other ingredients work together. We are to sprinkle every aspect of our life with the salt that comes from the active presence of God in our lives. This will cause us to affect all those around us with blessings from God. We can listen to the Holy Spirit and bring His word and our testimony to everyone we meet.

As you encounter people today, share the true message of God’s love. Season your words to fit the people you are with. As the Father speaks specifically and tenderly to you, speak lovingly to others.