You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet” (Matthew 5:13). Salt is known for its preservative effect. Christians are to have that effect on the world by influencing the world for Christ.

To accomplish this, however, Christians must first make sure they are fully committed to the Savior and preserved in personal purity and righteousness. Only then can they act as preservatives in society. Christians must be cautious, ever guarding against becoming tainted. The danger is that instead of raising the morality of the world, the world may lower the morality of the Christian (Romans 12:2). Beware of compromise (1 Thessalonians 2:3-4)!

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Jesus did not call us to be secret-agent Christians. Spiritual darkness is hovering over Western culture as never before, so each individual Christian’s light is needed now more than ever. We can let our light shine at church, at home, in our own neighborhoods, at the workplace, and at social events, reflecting Christ in our actions and speech.

Pearl of Wisdom: Diamonds sparkle best against a black velvet cloth. Let’s resolve to shine brightly in our dark world.

[5-minute apologetics for today]