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Christians are salt of the earth
Pastor's corner
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I am excited about the role of Christians in today’s world.
Jesus said “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” — Matthew 5:13
I am disturbed as I read about the violence in our community. While I know we are all shocked by the recent violent crimes in and around Liberty County, we must understand that those incidents represent only the tip of the iceberg.
Gross acts of violence will get media attention, but there are so many other heinous acts that never get reported.
A review of the number of churches in Liberty County shows that we are not dealing with a shortage of houses of worship. Some Christians will be quick to point out that churches simply cannot stop all the crime. Others will say we need to hire more police officers and build more prisons. I will acknowledge that there is some validity to both of those beliefs. However, the Christian who hides behind the belief that crime is purely a secular problem is shirking his responsibility as the “salt of the earth.”
Jesus knew the day would come when we would be shocked by crime statistics. Subsequently, He told His disciples that they are and would be the salt of the earth. Jesus called Christians to do at least three things that are as relevant in the year 2010 as they were in the year 40 AD.
First, Jesus calls Christians to “season the earth.” The unsaved may outnumber the saved in Liberty County, but it only takes a little salt to change the bland flavor of meat. Can you imagine Liberty County with no Christians?
Second, Jesus calls Christians to be preservers of the earth. When applied correctly, salt preserves meat through even the hottest days of summer. The Christian who moves according to the will of God will be effective in bringing the lost to Jesus, even in the middle of a crime wave.
Third, Jesus calls Christians to make the world thirsty. Even the miniscule amount of salt in ice cream makes humans thirsty. The Christian who lifts up the name of Jesus will makes those around him thirsty for the living water.
Christians, when did you last change the flavor of the conversation around you? Do you season your neighborhood with your presence? There are many precious souls all around us that are trying to make it through these tough times. Have you “rubbed salt on them” to preserve them, to prevent gang involvement, drug use, teen pregnancies and domestic violence? When was the last time you made someone thirsty?
“You are the light of the world … Let your light shine before men.” — Matthew 5:14-16.
Christians, we have a duty and a responsibility to make a difference in our world. My prayer is that Christians will join together and sing with renewed zeal, “This light of mine, I am going to let it shine … All in my community, I am going to let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine!”

Scott is pastor of Baconton Missionary Baptist Church and vice president of the United Ministerial Alliance.
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