Should believers concern themselves with the condition of the world around them... or is it just their individual walk with Jesus that matters?
Jesus actually had some stern stuff to say on the topic...
In His Sermon on the Mount -- which is all about living from the perspective of His kingdom -- He said:
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men" (Mt.5:13).
In the ancient world salt was a valued preservative.
But when it lost its saltiness, it was no longer good for anything... except to be spread on paths for people to walk on.
So applying the metaphor...
If believers lose their distinctive transforming power by absorbing the values of their culture, they become -- in Jesus's words -- 'good for nothing.'
Ouch.
Looks like Jesus conveys what he expects of believers regarding their influence quite clearly.
And may it be an encouragement to you...
Tending to your heart and the way you carry yourself in this world definitely matters.
Get Dominion,
David Bostrom