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).
As I write this article, I am listening to a news anchor lament about the threat of terrorism. Before that, the subject was domestic violence. The week before, the subject was mob violence. It seems that every week, we have a report of criminal and or police violence. The gross acts of violence will get the media attention, but there are so many others that never get reported.
Subsequently, many are asking the simple question: Why so much violence?
A review of the number of churches in Liberty County will show that we are not suffering from a shortage of houses of worship. For those who say hiring more police and building more prisons are the answers, we need only be reminded of the recent addition to jail space as well as of law enforcers.
While I will concede that there are some good secular courses of action, the real answer to our violent society will not come from the government. I firmly believe that the Christian who hides behind the belief that crime is a purely secular problem is shirking his or her responsibility as the salt of the Earth.
Jesus knew the day would come when we would be shocked by violence statistics. Subsequently, He told His disciples that they are and would be the salt of the Earth. Jesus was calling the Christian to do at least three things, and they are as relevant in the year 2014 as they were in the year 40 A.D.
First, Jesus calls the Christian to season the Earth. While Christians may be outnumbered, we must remember it only takes a little salt to change the bland flavor of meat. Secondly, Jesus calls the Christian to be a preserver for the Earth. When applied correctly, salt will preserve meat through even the hottest days of summer. The Christian who moves according to the will of God will be effective in winning the lost to Jesus, even in the middle of a crime wave.
Thirdly, Jesus calls the Christian to make the world thirsty. Even the minuscule amount of salt in ice cream will make humans thirsty. The Christian who lifts up the name of Jesus will makes those around him thirsty for the living water.
Christian, when was the last time you changed the flavor of the conversation around you? Do you season your neighborhood with your presence? There are many precious souls all around us who are trying to make it through these tough times. Have you “rubbed any salt on them” to prevent gang involvement, drug use, teen pregnancies, domestic violence, etc.? When was the last time you made someone thirsty? Have you lost your savor?
“You are the light of the world … Let you light shine before men…” (Matthew 5:14-16). Christians, we have duty and a responsibility 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 the Baconton Missionary Baptist Church and vice president of the United Ministerial Alliance.