Hennie Symington

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Matthew. 5:13-15

If we as believers increasingly feel out of place in the kind of world we find ourselves, perhaps it’s time for Christians, to take note of the times we live in and truly become the “salt of the earth”.

As citizens of this earth, as well as pilgrims to a land beyond, we should be aware of the trends that are reflected in society. We live in a global village where pluralism has come to stay. Whether you like it or not, we live in times where culture, religion and various other distinctions between people are being equalized. Our lives are governed by technology, but at the same time, we need to take note of the “rights” of nature and be aware that the fate of our “mother”, the Earth is dependent on mankind for survival.

The issues of justice, human rights and poverty worldwide cannot be side-stepped, and increasingly, people demand to be part of policy and decision-making which impact on their lives. The greatest threat, however, is the strain that is placed on the earth by mankind.

Enough to make any Christian tremble. Yet, Pope John Paul II once described the third Millennium as the “Spring of Christianity”. Why would he say that? Because as Christians, we are challenged, more than ever before, to give credence to our faith through the way we live and love.

What will you do to usher in this heavenly spring? Wash your hands in innocence or ignorance? Or will you be the light and the salt in a world that has lost its connection with the Creator? You can choose to become part of the re-creation, or watch the world go by as a disinterested bystander. The choice is yours.

Prayer: Lord, we are filled with trepidation as the world goes by. It feels as if nothing is certain. Teach me to be the salt and the light of the world, no matter what. Amen