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Q. How should believers influence culture?

A. Jesus' salt and light metaphors in the Sermon on the Mount make plain that He expects his followers not only to preach the gospel and make disciples but also to influence their community. Just as salt rubbed or soaked into meat or fish retards decay, so Christians can hinder social decay. Just as a light shining into darkness, so Christians can dispel the evil from the community.

Christian influence should cause the values and standards of Jesus to permeate their society's way of life, its legislation and institutions, its administration of justice, its conduct of business, the education of its youths, its care of the sick and elderly, and its attitude to criminals.

That's not easy, given our society's growing dishonesty, immorality and violence.

If the house is dark, don't blame the house. That's what happens when the sun goes down. Ask "Where's the light?" If meat goes bad, don't blame the meat. That's what happens when bacteria breed unchecked. Ask "Where's the salt?"

If society becomes corrupt, don't blame society. That's what happens when fallen society is left to itself and human evil is unchecked. Ask "Where's the church?" It's hypocritical of us to shrug our hands in despair and blame society for going bad. Jesus told us to be the world's salt and light. If darkness and rottenness abound, we must accept the blame—and accept with new determination the role that Jesus has given us.

John Stott is a British pastor who has served as chaplain to the Queen.

Adapted from: Preaching Today (109).

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Prayer for the Week

Jesus, you came into this world to love people. Help me to love others with the love You gave me.

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