I can’t count the number of times I’ve said, “believers of Jesus Christ should be salt and light in this world.” Salt to preserve the truth and light to shine God’s light into a dark world. One of the ways I thought we could affect change for good was by boycotting businesses and organizations that promote social injustice. In the past, mainstream denominations have tried boycotting industries and organizations, proving to be counter-productive and pushing back any influence they hoped to achieve. I’ve taken an abrupt about face.
It was an epiphany when I came to this realization. How can we, as believers, build relationships, offer comfort, hope and encouragement, if we cut ourselves off from those that need to see Christ in us? The majority of the world won’t darken the door of any church, so, it seems to me, we, the Church, are to share the Good News in ur everyday lives, wherever it takes us and to whomever we meet.
I don’t live my faith in a bubble – inside a church or my home. From my understanding of scripture, I’m not to be of the world, but I am to be in the world. Therefore, as a Christian, I need to be active in our culture and take my responsibility seriously to be proactive in society and address issues, whenever possible, before harm takes place. That means supporting and promoting institutions that are good both for individuals and for society.
What do you think?
“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 by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16)
Tagged: Christians in culture, church
