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In 2024, the call to be salt and light takes on new urgency as our society faces unprecedented challenges. The judeo-christian ethic that once guided American social institutions has largely disappeared, leaving a moral vacuum in its wake.
The State of Our Culture
Looking at cities like San Francisco reveals the depth of our cultural crisis. Drug overdose rates have more than doubled the national average, with activists promoting "body autonomy" over recovery. Similar chaos spreads across major cities, from Los Angeles's tent cities to border towns facing overwhelming challenges. As Harvard theologian Harvey Cox noted, "We now live in a post-Christian America… the Bible ceased to be a common base of moral authority."
A.W. Tozer presciently wrote in 1966: "Our Western Civilization is on its way to perishing… it lacks the element of moral wisdom that would give it permanence." His words ring even truer today.
Understanding True Salt and Light
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 provides our framework: "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
This divine power comes through living out the fruit of the Spirit - not through aggression but through confident truth-telling. Being salt and light requires:
- Willingness to tear down strongholds and destroy false arguments
- Commitment to build up those who, once redeemed, will put on the full armor of God
- Operating in the fruit of the Spirit while serving without apology
Truth Without Compromise
The modern church faces pressure to be "welcoming and affirming" of all lifestyles. However, Jesus's example shows He welcomed everyone but never affirmed sin. As shown in John 8:11, He offered deliverance from bondage while saying "go and sin no more."
Matthew 7:13-14 reminds us: "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
Building Up the Body
1 Peter 2:1-5 calls believers to "put away all malice and deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander" and become "living stones…being built up as a spiritual house." This requires both tearing down strongholds and building up fellow believers who will:
- Put on the full armor of God
- Live by the Spirit
- Show the fruits of the Spirit
- Serve the living King without shame
Preparing for Persecution
Matthew 24:9-14 warns believers will face persecution and hatred. The authentic church must prepare believers for this reality rather than offering false comfort. Jesus spoke of ten bridesmaids in Matthew 25:1-12, with only those truly prepared being welcomed into the marriage feast.
The good news remains: "Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57). True salt and light requires:
- Starting in our homes
- Maintaining sound biblical teaching in churches
- Tearing down false gods
- Building up what honors God
This calling demands an enduring faith and willingness to stand firm in increasingly challenging times. The peace that passes understanding comes not from compromising truth but from linking arms with like-minded believers fully committed to following Jesus Christ.