Speak Up

"Whoever says to the guilty,

'You are innocent,'

will be cursed by peoples and denounced by nations.

But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,

and rich blessing will come on them."

Proverbs 24:24-25

Our nation is headed in the wrong way, we can all agree on that.  But as believers in Jesus Christ who keep in step with His Spirit, we are called to love not judge, right?  Being mindful of the log in our own eye and all that (Matthew 7:3-5)?  

Certainly we are not to judge our brothers' and sisters' personal faith walk as long as it lines up with Scripture, but the world?  Yes, it is our job to speak up.  Otherwise, if we stay silent, its the same as agreeing with the wickedness being disguised as good.

Salt Preserves.  Before the time of refrigeration, salt was commonly used as a preservative.  To protect meat against bacteria, mold and spoilage, for instance, it was heavily salted before storing, drawing out the water which increased it's shelf life.  As one whose been designated as the salt of the earth, it is my role as a "little Christ" to preserve godly, biblical morals and values in a culture using the wisdom of man to decide what is considered as "good" (Matthew 5:13).  Since we know how easily humans are led astray, and how quickly we fall into wrong thinking, it takes an immovable standard set by an unchanging God to keep us straight.  Otherwise, when we rely on our own understanding, we compromise every time.

As I hear the arguments of those who are perishing, justifying wickedness right and left, it is my job to hold up the holy ruler of God's standard which clearly shows how far we've fallen.  One doesn't need to even believe God exists to agree that His moral law is good, but if I say nothing, I know that those who deny His existence will simply fall back on their own sense of right and wrong.  And man's standard is usually self-serving in some way and far inferior in every.  In addition, holding up the Light of Truth is an effective means to highlight the need for Christ, and can be an opening through which to share the Gospel with those who need it so desperately.

As the salt of the earth, I am called to preserve godly values as well as hold up God's statutes as society's moral compass.

Salt Enhances.  Salt and pepper shakers have long been included on the dinner table for good reason.  While it is true that I can develop a taste for salt, when used sparingly it actually enhances the flavor of food.  It does this by suppressing the bitter taste perception as well as helping certain food molecules be released in the air which helps the aroma of food, thus improving our sensitivity to taste.  

In the same way I, as salt of the earth, am meant to improve society, making what is good even better.  I bring the Jesus culture of love, peace, forgiveness, kindness and the like into this dark world.  Instead of keeping all the good fruit to myself, I am meant to make the lives of those who are perishing better, creating an impact on the civilization in which I live just by living authentically among them.  By interacting with the lost so they can see my peculiar character, I am introducing Jesus to many who may never see Him any other way (1 Peter 2:9). And in so doing I glorify the God who called me out of the darkness into His light.

As the salt of the earth, I am called to enhance the society in which I live, to the glory of God.

Salt is distinct.  Nothing else compares to salt;  it has a distinctive taste and unique qualities.  While substitutes have been developed, nothing can take the place of salt.  It's the same with me as a follower of Christ.  I am in the world but not of it and am called to resist being influenced by it's values and way of thinking (Romans 12:2,John 17:16) .  Therefore, I stick out like a sore thumb.  While most people are headed one way, I take the opposite path.  When almost everyone agrees with popular mindsets, I have a different take.  Even though it makes me seem irrelevant or out of touch, my tastes in entertainment are far different than the norm.

Nothing can take the place of a Christian living out his or her faith in the midst of the darkness, making decisions based on God's leading, choosing what will most honor God in day-to-day living, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and liberally spread His love like so much balm on an open wound.  While I could try to do what seems right in the way I conduct business, it is better to let the indwelling Spirit move my hands and feet, resulting in the pouring out of His living water on a parched land.  Nothing can compare to the work of God through a wholly submitted people.

As the salt of the earth, I am called to be different than the world, distinct and influential as I let God have His way in my life.

While I can see how far we've sunk as a people group, I am not without hope, and I am not doomed to watch us crash and burn.  As the salt of the earth, I've been placed here to preserve God's values and statutes in a world that knows no better, to enhance the flavor of society, and to live distinctly so that I don't blend in with the lost.  In these ways, I make the world a better place.  Therefore, I shouldn't be surprised if my position as a child of God requires me to break my silence and speak up lest I become part of the problem.

As I start this day it is my prayer that I can stop trying to blend in and let God use me to change society for the better.

How do I deny my purpose as a preservative of godly values and morals?

When am I afraid of speaking up, fearing the backlash and ostracization that may come? 

      

Knowledgeable Zeal

"Brothers,

my heart's desire and prayer to God

for the Israelites is that they may be saved.

For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God,

but their zeal is not based on knowledge.

Since they did not know the righteousness

that come from God

and sought to establish their own,

they did not submit to God's righteousness.

Christ is the end of the law 

so that there may be righteousness

 for everyone who believes."

Romans 10:1-4

His love for exercise combined with his passion for helping people made it an obvious choice:  He would open a gym.  His enthusiasm was infectious and soon the membership grew, fueling his excitement.  Ideas flowed as he brainstormed with his friends.  Soon, he trusted that business would improve and he would be able to expand.

Unfortunately, this man's zeal was not enough.  He possessed the passion and understanding of his field of interest, but lacked business know-how.  Success in the business world takes more than just enthusiasm and a good idea, it also takes knowledge.

The same could be said for my Christian walk.  I can feel much excitement about what Jesus does for me in redeeming my life, giving me hope for eternity with Him, and offering a greater purpose for my days.  I may want to shout it from the rooftops:  "Jesus loves me. . .and He loves you too!"

My enthusiasm, though, is not enough.  If I don't seek to know God's ways by studying His word and listening to His teachings, then my zeal may be based on fallacy which results in ungodly fruit.

Works

I grew up thinking that if I worked hard enough, good things would come my way.  I learned from my parents, teachers and other trusted adults that I could change the world if only I exerted enough effort.  With this kind of work ethic ingrained in my being, I began my walk with Jesus.  Trying to apply this same philosophy in God's kingdom, however, only put me at odds with Him.

Instead of thinking my service to God makes me right with Him, I must understand that I am saved by grace.  There is nothing I can do to earn God's grace:  It is freely given out of love for me.  Keeping my true identity as a sinner incapable of saving myself helps to guard against my inclination to judge others.

Another fallacy is the belief that if I work hard enough, my efforts will counteract all the times I ignore God's gentle, quiet voice, nudging me away from destructive patterns that conradict His teachings.  My ministries, volunteer commitments or good deeds will never take away my sin: Only the blood of Jesus can accomplish such a feat.  Understanding this truth will guard against my tendency to commit myself to activities out of a sense of guilt instead of as a response to my Father's call.

Other times I get caught up in the idea that life is like a formula; if I do "A" and "B" then I will get "C."  God, however, is sovereign and His plan for my life may or may not follow this pattern.  I cannot begin to understand the mind of God.  As He said through the prophet Isaiah, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways. . . As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)  Grasping the mysterious nature of God will help to guard against frustration when things don't go the way I think they ought.

Coupling zeal for the gospel with knowledge of the love and grace God extends to all will result in the works of His mighty hand in my life.

Unrepentance

"I am sorry for disrupting the community movie night and not listening to you.  I know I made it hard on you and I wanted to let you know that it will never happen again."  The boy's apology sounded good.  At first, I was so impressed with his heartfelt confession and pledge to do better.  Unfortunately, I later realized these were mere words meant to impress his mother and I.  Soon, he was back to his old, trouble making behavior.

Recognizing myself as a sinner who has violated God's commands is only part of the package deal of committing my life to Christ.  The other part is in my repentance from my sinful ways.  This doesn't mean I will always think, speak and act perfectly.  What it does mean, however, is that I have turned away from my old ways and made up my mind to follow Jesus instead.

Many times, though, my life remains unchanged.  I continue to live as though I am still my own boss, not paying attention to where Jesus is leading me.  I am too caught up in my present way of living and too comfortable to give up any of those activities, habits and ways of thinking that run counter to God's ways.  Understanding that change is necessary as a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ will protect me from looking just like the world.

Another danger is when I hear God's gentle voice convicting me to modify my thought patterns, end the use of offensive words, or stop taking part in ungodly behavior, but I simply ignore Him.  If I really comprehended how my obedience is linked to my love for Jesus, then I would be able to live the holy life to which I am called. (John 14:15, 1 Peter 1:15)

Still other hazards lurk in the belief that my sins are covered by the blood of Jesus so I don't need to make much of a big deal about these transgressions that abound in my life.  Taking the free gift of salvation that is offered through Christ means that I also accept the redemption His blood makes possible.  As I enter into relationship with God, then, His holiness makes my unworthiness all the more evident.  Living with an appreciation of God's view of sin as an affront to His perfect nature means I, too, will see my sinful ways as abhorrent.  Gaining such insight will keep me from turning the invaluable gift of grace into something cheap and easy: It cost Jesus His life!

Coupling zeal for the gospel with knowledge of the importance of repentance leads to humility  and a desire to live in obedience to my Lord.

Lukewarmness

He was everything to everybody: Warm and engaging to those who wanted compassion, tough and hard-as-nails to those who desired results, and funny and entertaining to those who merely wanted to feel good.  Consequently, it was hard to know what this man really believed:  This politician didn't stand for anything.

In many ways, it is easy for me as a follower of Christ to retain the same attitude.  The danger here is that my lukewarmness will be an affront to God. (Revelation 3:16)

One hazard of living on the fence is in my outlook: When it comes to Jesus, I am neither hot nor cold; I can either take Him or leave Him.  I'm glad He saved me from eternal death, but I just don't feel the urge to tell anyone about Him or to live in a way that please Him.  I feel guilty about this fact, but I sometimes think that task belongs to someone better trained to do it or who is more gung-ho than I.  If I would realize that either I am working for Christ or against Him, "apathy" would never again be a word used in the same sentence as my name. (Matthew 12:30)

Another danger is in becoming desensitized to sin.  I am continually surrounded by sinful living.  I begin to think, Sin doesn't really seem like that big of a deal, after all, its my nature, right?  To guard against this numbness toward sin, however, I will need to understand the just nature of God.  In His eyes, just one of my sins earns me the electric chair.  Therefore, I cannot afford to carry a relaxed and easy-going attitude toward sin without offending God.

Another risk is in finding myself to feel content with the knowledge that I will go to heaven when I die.  If I stay in my comfortable place where I am never confronted with the reality of the millions who are lost, I may never care about the unsaved.  To protect against this kind of indifference, I must look beyond my own salvation and expand my vision.

In coupling zeal for the gospel with knowledge that there is no middle of the road when it comes to Jesus, my lukewarmness will turn to fire.

Passion for Christ is not enough to live a fruitful life.  To guard against ungodly fruit, I will need to understand that I can't work my way into God's favor nor can the grace He offers be taken lightly.  I also will need to guard against apathy which naturally occurs when I don't choose a side.  As I base my faith on the Truth, however, I will find a passion that will grow and I will begin to encompass a larger view as my zeal is no longer empty, but rooted in godly knowledge.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can guard against fallacies that lead to empty living.

How do I carry an indifferent attitude toward sin?

In what ways do I think my efforts will counteract my sin?