Jesus called His disciples “the salt of the earth.” Salt preserves and purifies. Christians have the responsibility of preserving certain values and exerting a purifying influence on others. Neither of these obligations can be fulfilled through non-involvement. The quote is well known: “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Still, good people are often silent about issues of decency and righteousness and then wonder why evil triumphs and standards fall.

Early Christians gained a reputation for being world changers. They were known as those who turned the world upside down (Acts 17:6). Only one hundred twenty of them were present for the charge to preach the gospel to every creature. They lacked modern methods and not one church building was in existence. There were neither New Testaments nor printing presses to produce them. Even sound systems for preaching to multitudes lay nearly 2,000 years in the future. Yet, that tiny minority was so committed that within a few weeks their number had increased by thousands and in their generation they planted hundreds of churches. Their impact is still felt.

The potential for Christian outreach today is thrilling. Tools exist now that would have staggered the imaginations of our forefathers. But tools are trivial unless people are involved. E.M. Bounds wrote: “Men are God’s method.” The church is looking for better methods. God is looking for better men. People are the greatest potential. You are important. You are the salt of the earth.