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"We should not ask, what is wrong with the world? For that diagnosis has already been given. Rather, we should ask, What has happened to the salt and the light?" ~John R. W. Stott
If we take a good look around our world today it is drastically different than it ever has been. Times seems more challenging, there is more pain and illness, more tragedy and more darkness. Why some may ask and to that I must respond read your Bible. We are told of some of these in the Word of God, yet we have forgotten or put it aside being caught up in the drama around us.
In the quote above John Stott asks the question where is the salt and the light? A very simple yet profound question. As we run around pointing fingers, getting angry and in some cases giving into the worlds perspective I to ask the question, where is the salt and the light today?
In Matthew 5:13 we are called to be the salt of the earth. What does that mean? Look at salt what is its purpose, to season/add flavor and preserve. So what are we adding as Christians to this world? Have we shut down and maintained that we are the silent majority? We need to get out there in the world and live what we believe, we need to share our stories with others. Not just sit at home in our safe bubble hoping the world will get better or Christ will return and solve it all. Yes Christ is coming back and He will solve it all, however we are called to go out and be the salt in this world.
In Matthew 5:14 we are told we are the light of the world, a city that is on a hill cannot be hidden. Then in verse 15 says we do not hide it under a basket. Yet so many of us sit quietly at home or in our church pew hoping things will change. The thing is the darkness in this world will do nothing more than create more darkness. Light can bring change, are you a light?
Keep in mind this does not mean beating up folks with the Bible, frankly most are tired of hearing Christians preach at them, they want to see you live what you believe. Do you say one thing and do another? Do you respond or react to life? Have you shared your story? Face it when Jesus became real to you, that is what they want to hear. How did you change? What has happened?
Remember everybody has a story to tell, perhaps you just need a little nudge to tell it, so here are a couple of tips to help you share your story:
1. Your testimony has VALUE because it is yours. No one else has the same story, no one else experienced it the way you did. If you have been saved then it is a story worth telling. This allows those you share it with to have a human or real aspect to what a relationship with Jesus has to offer.
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this in gentleness and respect." ~1 Peter 3:15
2. Which leads us to the how do you share. Sometimes thinking in the form of an outline will make it simpler to share. For example:
a. What life was like before Christ?
b. How did you meet Christ? What brought you to Him?
c. What is life like today with Christ in your life?
Also, it is really important to keep your attitude in check as you share. Are you sharing in love or in judgment? It is really important to share with an attitude of gentleness, this is such a big decision for people that we have to share in gentleness, and respect for them. Think about the fruits of the Spirit as you share (Galatians 5:22).
"Those who teach by their doctrine must teach by their life, or else they pull down with one hand what they build up with the other." ~Matthew Henry
It is so important that we share what we believe and how we are transformed with our world and the generations. We have so dropped the ball with this we have allowed the television and the once-a-week Sunday School teacher reach our children and youth. I will tell you a once-a-week exposure to the light is really challenging to keep on track. For you and your children.
"We are all missionaries...Wherever we go, we either bring people nearer to Christ, or we repel them from Christ." ~Eric Liddell
"It does not take a perfect church to introduce a man to the perfect Christ." ~Richard Woodsome
So are you a deer in the headlights when asked about what you believe or are you ready to share what you believe?
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