From Irrelevant to Relevant

There is not any secret to the fact that many young people believe that the church has become boring and intellectually challenged. They are on a quest of their own to find a faith that is tangible and relevant.

Part of relevancy in seen in the words of Jesus:

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matt 5:13-16 (NKJV)

Salt is a seasoning. It adds flavor to food. Our Christian walk adds flavor to the world. Just imagine how dull the world would become without Jesus. I think a life full of doldrums is acted out in the hopeless lifestyles of those behind the curtains of communism.

Christianity adds flavor but only when its adherents actually adhere to it. In other words, Christians should not just know about Christianity. They should be the church in participation in world events. They don't do the DEW, but they do life because they have something to offer.

The place we have to avoid is being salt miners who will not share the salt. Wasted salt is good for nothing more than walking on. We have to share it in order to benefit from it. And others receive a greater benefit.

Jesus gives freely to all without prejudice. We fail Jesus when we think we deserve the greater share because we spend more time with Him. How can others benefit if we do not share the salt?

The verses above tell us three things. As light, we provide visibility towards restoration. Our interaction with others helps them see more clearly. As salt, we have something to add to the lives of others that will preserve them eternally. As a city on the hill, we offer protection and hope. These three acts of mercy are all used to bring glory to God.

But notice that light helps to illuminate good works. This tells us that our works never goes unnoticed, whether we are working for God or against Him. It also tells us that we have to be active in our faith.

To keep church from becoming boring and intellectually challenged, we have to start answering the questions that others outside the church are asking. By not engaging today's culture and constantly giving the "what-you-should-not-do" answers, we look as if we do not have any answers.

Instead, we should be investing in others by showing what we can do, the things that Paul said are beneficial. If anyone should be able to benefit mankind, shouldn't it be Christians?

If we remain sheltered, we allow others to paint uninformed pictures about what a "godly, respectful, and highly proficient Christian looks like." To stop being hidden, we should engage people, including, skeptics, in their arenas of influence. We can be Christian and work in the business world, in the entertainment field, in government, and in education.

Becoming recluses proves nothing except that we are not interested in others. Keep that in mind the next time you read about the exploits of Jesus.