The chapter, "Salt: Make Use of It" from Briner, influenced my growth in the class with the idea of what Christ wants us to be. To be the kind of salt Christ spoke about is to be the cutting edge, in the fray, at the forefront of battle. Jesus thought the idea of salt was stinging, biting, cleansing, and preserving. Even if people are salt they still must use it by being salty. The food definition of salt also has relevant meaning. Salt is both a seasoning and a preservative. It seasons by adding taste and enhancing flavor. People must penetrate key areas of culture to have a preserving effect.
This concept might be helpful in future ministry by I can be salt and reach those around me. Too many Christians keep track of the good and bad they have done than being salt. The problem with this mindset is that they will not win in the way the world sees winning. Salt hampers spoiling but is does not stop it. Christians need to remember this fact and know just to do their best and glorify God. I know many people who could be considered salty and they are very interesting people. I can see by studying their lives that they are on fire for God and love to witness to others.
This concept might be applied now by I can strive to be saltier immediately. Christians of commitment are needed to penetrate every area of society and they need to do it with the commands of the Lord to be salt in mind. I believe the young people of the church should be reached right now while there is still hope for some. Their impact can influence them to live a salty life that in turn can influence others to be salty. The young people are the future generation of the world and need to realize they can have a positive influence of other people's lives.
The chapter, "Where Is My Passion?" from Bugabee, had a big impact in my growth in the class with the idea of passion. Identifying my God-given passion is not an exact science but more of a process.