Physical Hydration
We have officially made it to summer and the heat that comes with it. Spending time in the sun, especially if we are active, requires more water to stay hydrated. Even mild dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue, or dizziness. The key is to hydrate in advance, which requires intentionality.
We have to hydrate purposefully. Plan ahead, remind ourselves, and occasionally have an accountability partner to stay physically hydrated. Good coaches will often tell their athletes to hydrate the night before a big game, preparing their bodies in advance for the extra exertion and sweat their bodies will endure.
Can we apply some of the same principles of physical hydration to our spiritual lives? I believe there is quite a bit of connection.
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” -Matthew 5:13
First, let's look at spiritual dehydration.
Signs of Spiritual Dehydration:
- Easily angered
- Lack of self-control
- Bad language
- Lack of service
I’m sure you could name a few more, but you get the idea. As we start to deplete ourselves spiritually, some of these behaviors start to creep in. It can happen so gradually that we don’t notice at first.
Take some time to consider whether you have been experiencing any signs of spiritual dehydration. This may be a good time to ask God to reveal to you the areas in which you have been slipping (we all slip and need to get back on track sometimes).
Spiritual Hydration
Jesus offers living water that satisfies.
“But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”- John 4:14
Because we leak, we must purposefully re-hydrate regularly by spending time in God’s presence. This can occur through:
- Time in God’s Word
- Consistent prayer
- Fellowship with other believers
- Service to others
You may have heard these things a million times, but there is great truth in this seemingly simple formula. If you are experiencing any signs of spiritual dehydration, these actions, when practiced consistently, really do help.
Be the Salt
We aren’t just hydrated or spiritually strong for our own benefit but also to fulfill our calling of sharing Jesus with the world.
“You are the Salt of the Earth” (Matthew 5:13)
Physically speaking, salt is a combination of two electrolytes: sodium and chloride. Our cells use electrolytes to keep our bodies running. It has an indirect correlation with hydration. Salt is also used as a preservative keeping food from spoiling. This was essential before refrigeration was invented.
As we consider the uses of salt in the physical sense, we can also see how being the salt has value; it calls us stay connected to the Lord in relationship and action. We may not change the world with our actions alone, but we can make a difference in our families, churches, workplaces, and neighborhoods.
We can share the truth and love of Jesus as part of our daily lives to stay spiritually hydrated. While we are building others up, we are also being filled.
Have you ever personally experienced the saying, “It is better to give than to receive?” You may have physically poured yourself out to someone, but you yourself felt whole inside. I believe the same happens when we commit time to be the “salt of the Earth.” We have more purpose and an overall sense of worth when we live out this calling on our lives.
“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.”- John 7:37
Comments