"The Spice of Life" - Mark 9:42-50 - October 1, 2000

One day, Aunt Polly, told Tom Sawyer that he would have to white-wash the fence. Tom was not happy about the chore for this was not something a young man would want to do on a summer afternoon. But, out of respect for his aunt, Tom headed for the fence and began his assignment.

While Tom was working his friend, Huck Finn, and some others came walking down the road. They were carrying fishing poles over their shoulders. "Too bad you can’t go fishing with us, Tom," Huck said, with a grin. The other boys chuckled and giggled as Tom proceeded to white-wash the fence. Then Tom responded, "You know, its not every day a feller gets to white-wash a fence." A few minutes later, Tom had all his friends helping him with the job.

What happened here was a classic example of what is called, "re-framing." Tom took something that was negative and turned it into something positive. He changed the perception and attitudes of his friends by making the chore something unique.

This is what Jesus was doing with the disciples. He wanted them to see that all negative behavior, thought or deeds, were damaging to the faith community, especially to the "little ones." He therefore re-framed their negative behavior into something positive. A grasping greedy hand, a careless, crushing foot, a lustful, envious eye, could yield great damage to the faith. The way to truly understand themselves as disciples was to be the "salt" of the earth.

In other words, any amount of negative action would be very harmful. On the other hand, the tiniest amount of positive action would reap great benefits for the faith. Jesus wanted his followers to be "salty," creating an atmosphere of peace.

To be positive people is to give spice to life. Positive behavior, even positive thoughts, generate feelings of inclusiveness, self worth and create harmony. Negative behavior creates ill will, feelings of helplessness and futility.

In Jesus’ day, salt was used as a preservative. Meat was packed in salt. Without processed foods and refrigeration salt had to be used to keep food from being spoiled. Salt was a precious commodity and essential to their culture.

Essential to our faith are positive attitudes and behaviors. Whether we realize it or not, people are watching us. What we do, what we say, even what we think, is being observed by those around us, especially those who are young and vulnerable.

In India, small children, ages 6 and 7, are forced to work 14 hour days without a break or rest. There are reports that more than 6 million children in India work in bonded labor, a form of slavery. They are often kept half-fed and are not permitted to talk or laugh out loud. Since 1990, Kailash Satyarthi, has helped to free more than 28,000 children from overcrowded, filthy and isolated factories. He leads the Asian Coalition on Child Servitude. (Parade Magazine, September 24, 2000)

Satyarthi is a real hero for the cause of children in his country. He has been very courageous in his efforts to rescue children from peril and adversity. It has not been without risk and opposition, however. Nevertheless, he is doing all he can to look out for the precious "little ones" of his world.

Jesus wants his followers to realize that whether we realize it or not the "little ones" in our day are watching us and affected by everything we do. We don’t have to be like Satyarthi in India, since children in our society are not treated so terribly. They are, however influenced and affected by the negative things we do and say.

Eric Allenbaugh, (Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul) tells a story when he was a sophomore in high school in Southern California. It was a tough environment, fights, even gangs. One night after a football game he was walking down a crowded sidewalk when someone kicked him from behind. He realized he was surrounded by a local gang, armed with brass knuckles. He was beaten severely, and his Doctor told him he was probably one blow away from being killed.

After he had recovered one of his friends said, "Let’s go get those guys." That’s the way problems were resolved. Evening the score was a priority. Part of him wanted to say, "Yes." But, another part of him said, "No." Revenge gets you no place. It only leads to further hostility.

Eric decided to do something different. Working with the various ethnic groups in his community, he started the "Brotherhood Committee." They worked on enhancing relationships. In the process he learned how little is known about people with various backgrounds. Sadly, he learned how adults resisted cross-cultural exchanges. But, more and more individuals worked in the effort, making a positive effort toward bringing people together.

His committee made a significant impact in the life of that community. Not everyone joined and not all of their problems were solved. But, many bridges were built and much further violence was averted because of his group’s efforts which included a majority of the 3,200 students at his school. What Eric learned that responding with love rather than hate, made a positive difference in his community.

How we respond to people, especially the "little ones" among us can make a difference for generations to come. By re-framing every negative situation into a positive one we too can enhance the faith and continue Jesus’ mission of unconditional love. That is the spice of life.

Dr. Keith Wagner, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Sidney, Ohio