Salt & Light

Becky and I flew back to the States last night, and it was quite eventful. But what I want to tell you about is one unique situation we found ourselves in.
On one of the domestic flights we were on within Brazil, en route to São Paulo, we met an American lady that had been to Brazil to visit this certain "religious" man who was performing healings. Now, as many American people will understand, when you fly, usually you want to keep to yourself and take a quick nap, read a book, etc. Nevertheless, this lady we met, whose name I can't remember now, wanted to chat. And if you're reading this maam (sorry I forgot your name), please forgive me for my attitude at first, but read on. So you see, this lady kept asking questions, as well as sharing her views on life, etc. She's looking for the Truth, for answers...and what got me thinking throughout today was that so many times we are selfish, we want to keep to ourselves, live our individualistic lives, and just be left alone. But is that what we are supposed to do as Christians? As Christ followers?? No!! Christ told us to be salt and light, did He not? What was salt for? Before the invention of refrigeration, salt was used to prevent the decay of meat, so if we're supposed to be meat, then we should be fighting to prevent the decay of our society! Our culture! And if we're light, we should be shining Jesus wherever we go! I felt so stupid for my attitude when this lady first started talking to me...I just wanted to rest. But what more important thing could one be doing then to try to help lead someone closer to the Truth! That is what we are supposed to do folks, as followers of Christ! Regardless of your job, career, family situation, or financial situation. To lead others to the joy we have in Him and the salvation from eternal death that He provides! So although this lady and I had a few differences in opinion on even the most basic theology (Heaven vs. Hell, a good God with evil in the world), I hope and pray that she's closer to finding the Lord in her life. We need to challenge others to seek the Truth. Christ said that He is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." There is no other way. It's difficult for the average American to understand that he/she needs God, and that there's only ONE way. In a pluralistic society, that's a difficult argument to maintain. But, thankfully, it is true...and only by the grace of God.
Ben.