Salt That Heals and Light That Shines

It is obvious to serious followers of Jesus Christ that certain people in the public eye—newscasters, entertainers, etc.—are enemies of Jesus and His Kingdom. It is not so obvious to those followers that some people in the public eye who profess to be Christians are hurting the cause of Jesus and His Kingdom more than His enemies are. By their private and public behavior, actions, and statements, they are pulling down rather than expanding the Kingdom of God. Some of them are good, well-meaning Christians, but they are in need of proper equipping for the work of the ministry (Ephesians 4:11-12). Because a church leader carries a title or a degree, it does not mean that Jesus called and sent him or her. Unless called and sent by Jesus, they will sooner or later cause more harm than good.

We have a lot of loose cannons running around representing themselves as Christians, and it should be obvious that they are hindering the Kingdom, but my main emphasis at this moment is on those who are actively involved in a church. If their church was properly equipping them, they would know how to rightly represent Jesus both in private and in public.

There are dark days ahead unless churches everywhere repent, wake up, and teach Christians how to be mature in Christ, how to follow Jesus while being salt and light. This will bring healing to many in the world around them, rather than causing wounds and then pouring salt in them.

If you are concerned, I want to assure you that there are godly answers, but 2 Chronicles 7:14 must become a reality, rather than just a memorized and oft quoted Scripture. We must have a restored Church on this earth that is made up of local churches all over the earth. We must get the message right! There will be no true and lasting restoration unless we get the message right. The message of the Church is the same as the message of Paul that is found twice in the last chapter of Acts. Study the words of Acts 28:23, 31 until they become alive within your mind and heart. Look back at the ministry of Jesus and see what gospel He

went about teaching and preaching. Matthew 4:23 is a good starting place.
Will you be salt that heals and light that awakens? Remember, you have a part in what will happen in the days ahead, but it was never intended to be causing wounds and pouring in salt. Be true to Jesus and His Word; let your light shine! Let it be a big light!