03 Aug In what ways has the modern church failed to be salt and light to the contemporary culture?
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Assignment 5a: Devotional
Isaiah 58:6 (Links to an external site.) and Matthew 25:40 (Links to an external site.)
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+58%3A6+&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+25%3A40&version=NIV
The waves of Protestant missions that swept across the globe in the 18th and 19th centuries were remarkable. It included humanitarian outreach as well as presentation of the gospel. George Muller, for instance, founded orphanages in England and later Amy Carmichael did the same in India. We have to be careful not to substitute social justice for the gospel itself, but the gospel does have social implications and caring for orphans, widows, refugees, and the hungry is an extension of the gospel.
Isaiah 58:6 reminds us that the true gospel in not found in empty rituals but in caring for others and loosing the chains of the oppressed. We are also reminded in Matthew 25:40 that what we do for the least of these is a reflection of our relationship with Christ. The gospel we profess cannot sit idly on a shelf but must be put to good use. Brokenness is part of the human condition, but that is why God commands His followers to be salt and light in the world. It does no good, we are told, to have a light and yet hide it under a bowl. Light is made to shine forth and not be hidden. Although we each have different strengths, talents, gifts, and abilities, in our day to day activities, we should be actively looking for opportunities to minister to others. Remember also, that Christ Himself was a servant to others.
In what ways has the modern church failed to be salt and light to the contemporary culture?
In approximately 200 words, post your response to the thoughts above.
