One of my jobs as a regional communications coordinator is to daily review multiple news feeds. Last night I was so convicted in what I read…please take a moment and read this…share it…we need to wake up!
The major news syndicate had an editorial about a recent film…wherein the writer was justifying the vulgarity, sensuality, and multiple sex scenes as truly being “nothing new.” “We all do this, it is a part of life, so why should people be repulsed,” making reference to one country that had banned the film’s release and then later recanted.[alert color=’blue’]”This is just an outdated cultural perspective that dates back to when the Church had influence in the community.”[/alert]
It was the reviewer’s final statement that so convicted my heart. Referencing the possibility that people might be offended by the content, he responded, “This is just an outdated cultural perspective that dates back to when the Church had influence in the community.”
For us as the Church, the underlying reality is: “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand – shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous father in heaven.” Matt 5:13-16 (The Message).
The question I am asking myself is, “am I so busy with the activities of life that I have forgotten to be the light?” According to the movie reviewer’s above statement, the Church is no longer having an influence in the community…a very sad commentary.
“Dear God, let us wake up and regain our passion to be salt and light, before we are deemed tasteless, good only to be thrown out and trampled by men.”
We welcome your comments to the editorial! Please take a moment and share your thoughts!
– – – – Todd Aebischer – Asia-Pacific Regional Communications Coordinator
Todd & Connie Aebischer serve as the Asia-Pacific Regional Communications Coordinators, living in Manila, Philippines.
