I am a Jesus pusher!!! We must understand this passion through the element of persecution. We are to be “salt” in the physical world that looks to destroy us! When the enemy persecutes us, both spiritually and physically, he does so in the physical realm. Think of the early Church’s persecution, “tortured,” “trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment,” “stoned,” “sawn in two,” “tempted,” slain with the sword,” “wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins,” “being destitute,” “afflicted,” and “tormented” (Hebrews 11:35-37). What was their response to all the physical persecutions? They “obtained a good testimony through faith.” They were “salt!” They never allowed their circumstances to dictate to them; they, the Kingdom people, dictated to their circumstances. Instead of being shaped by what was happening in their physical world, they became the influence of change in their physical circumstances.
This influence is called “cross style!” Whatever the effect of salt, it always seems to act according to this basic principle. For instance, when salt is applied properly to food, one does not taste the salt. The purpose of salt is not to make everything taste like salt. Salt is to intermingle with the ingredients to enhance the flavor of the food. This is why Jesus could without hesitation call each disciple to “take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25).