Beginning with Enoch, God has appointed men to stand strong and proclaim truth in a sinful world.
Pastors are not called just to be “church builders,” acting as CEOs who compete with the church down the block. We are called to proclaim the truth of Salvation in Jesus Christ alone to a lost world and to “equip the saints for the work of the ministry.” We are to convey the whole truth of God that is in His Scriptures.
That means teaching about how to act as salt and light to the world. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men” (Matthew 5:13).
Salt has two purposes: as a preservative and to enhance flavor. Christians act as salt when they tell the truth in love to a world dying from the lies of Satan and man’s own sinful nature. Nothing can improve life on earth or spur hope of eternity than spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ in all matters.
Likewise, Jesus admonishes his flock to be light of the world: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5: 16). Christians must stand out from the world as a contrast to the darkness, showing the love of Christ.
The light part is easier than being salt; doing good works and teaching others to do so is fulfilling and not as likely to encounter resistance. Standing firm for truth in a hostile culture, however, can be difficult and stressful. Many churches have chosen to emphasize only good works, avoiding difficult truths.
An effective ministry employs both salt and light in balance.
As iron sharpens iron, RF believes networking is a great way to sharpen one another and be the salt and light in this world.