July 8, 2015 (LifeSiteNews) — The recent Supreme Court decision forcing gay marriage upon our nation has many people scratching their heads in bewilderment. Many are asking, What in the world is going on? How did America stray so far from the truth? How did we lose our moral compass?
Out of frustration, it is natural to point fingers, but who is really to blame for the sad state of our nation? Is it the White House? Is it the Congress? Is it those nine men and women in black robes? Is it the constant bombardment of immorality and perversion that comes out of Hollywood?
There is certainly plenty of blame to go around, but I believe the root of the problem goes much deeper. I believe the underlying problem is something that most of us would not want to admit. I believe the root of the problems of society rest with God’s people, the Evangelical crowd. I believe the problem lies at the door of the church just as described in the Bible. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Ch 7:14).
The Bible says that Christians are the salt and light of the world. “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:13-14).
The Lord used salt to illustrate this truth because of its qualities. Salt is used as a preservative. Christians are to have a preserving effect on the people around them. Salt makes things taste better. Christians should make the office where they work a more pleasant place. The Apostle Paul made a jail cell more pleasant! Salt also causes thirst. A Christian ought to cause others to want the peace and joy that we possess. Does anyone thirst for the life you live? Salt can also cleanse. It is good for healing of a cut or sore, just as the people who know the Lord ought to bring healing to the hurting hearts of those around them. At times, salt can irritate. Have you ever eaten something salty when you had an open sore on your tongue? A person who lives a moral life will often be irritating to those who live immorally. At one time, people felt ashamed when they told a dirty joke and a Christian walked into the room.
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As we walk in the Spirit and let our light shine, we affect the community around us in a positive way. When we do not live a Spirit-filled life, we have a negative effect, just as Jonah did when he did not obey the Lord. Jonah affected the life of every man on that ship. That is what the Lord is saying in the Scriptures about the salt and the light. As the Christians go, so goes the church. As the church goes, so goes the community around us, and, thus, goes the nation.
Today, the Evangelical community has lost its saltiness. We do not live holy anymore. We do not cause others to thirst; we do not bring healing like we once did. We are quick to place the blame on the world around us, but we are at the root of the problem. We want to blame the government; we want to blame Hollywood, but the real problem is the person we look at in the mirror every morning.
Friends, let’s not point the finger at others. Let’s get out there and be salt and light in our communities. Some of us need to go to Congress and be salt. We need to support someone to run for the White House who can shine the light of truth. We need more Evangelicals to get involved in the movie industry. Television and videos are a powerful means through which to influence society. We need Christian influence in Hollywood. There are some folks—like the Kendrick Brothers—making some great Christian films, but we need more. We need some mighty men and women to step forward and become teachers in our schools. We need writers and authors to inspire us. We need singers to serenade us, artists to enchant us, and overcomers to challenge us.
Let’s quit blaming society for the moral decline of our nation. Let’s get out there and be salt and influence the world for God.
Dan Goodwin is the author of “God’s Final Jubilee” and has been in the ministry since 1983. He preaches Bible conferences, revivals, and prophecy meetings across America.