Salt purifies
We mentioned earlier that an
effective way to get rid of sinusitis is to rinse the sinuses with a solution
of salt in lukewarm water. It purifies those canals from all germs and loosens
all the muck. We also use saline or salt solution to clean contact lenses.
“For the
word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it
penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges
(discerns) the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). The Word, which is
living in us and is commanded by us through faith, does the purifying. Jesus
said to the disciples: “‘You are already clean because of the word I have
spoken to you” (John 15:3).
The Greek word used in both these
references is “logos” (the written Word or Bible) and not “rhema” (the revealed
Word as from the Lord). So what is our task as salt? We need to help clean this
earth of all the muck doctrines, ideas, and teachings by proclaiming the truth.
For this we use the information and guidance in the written Word to replace and
eradicate the false doctrines in people’s hearts. It is the written Word—the
scriptures—quickened by revelation and power from God through intercessory
prayer that will discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.
As in advertising, the information
must be offered continuously in order for it to gradually replace the incorrect
knowledge in people’s minds. This is why lifestyle evangelism (showing Christ
through your life) on its own is not enough. We need to preach the Word, in and
out of season as we read in 2 Timothy 4:2, 3: “Preach the
Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and
encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come
when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own
desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what
their itching ears want to hear.”
We need to do this in boldness. Why
do lies such as evolution, New Age and the like get away with so much and grow
at such an immense rate? It is because there is not much truth resisting it,
proving it wrong. Why is there not much truth? It is because there are too few
Christians bold enough to proclaim and command truth as a direct counteraction
to these lies. We are scared of unpopularity, persecution, and estrangement. It
is low priority since we are busy building our own little kingdoms. The amount
of time (if any) that we avail for the sake of Kingdom issues is so small that
the work has practically no effect.
Political correctness also forms a
barrier, since it is easier to have an attitude of “Let them deceive: I don’t
care as long as I’m okay. Why should I get involved and risk persecution?” The
problem is that when people are indoctrinated from childhood with false
beliefs, it is hard to change. The Word of God calls for people who will
sacrifice their lives for the sake of truth and not just exercise religion all
the time—people who will fight for truth. If we really trust the Lord, we would
not be scared to speak up, because He promised to cover for us if we seek His
Kingdom.
Every Christian, not just ministers,
needs to proclaim truth of the Word of God at all times. This Word is living
and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating even to dividing
soul and spirit, joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and
intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). We need to be courageous, speaking this
Word at every opportunity—with colleagues, in the grocery line, with other
parents at school, with brothers and sisters at church, with yourself and with
the devil (“Listen, Satan, about this temptation, the Word of God says . . .).
When we pray, we must also speak the Word to the Lord, because praying His Word
releases His power. This demands that we know the Word. The only way to get to
know it is through reading and memorizing it. Imagine what little influence
false doctrines will have if millions of Christians refute it all the time with
the truth.
How do we do it? Once again, get the
power and direction from Jesus in private prayer, and then simply proclaim
truth wherever He shows you. Will I have the courage? “For God
did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of
self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). The Greek for spirit is pneuma, which can be translated
either as human spirit or Holy Spirit. The new spirit God gave us at rebirth,
since our old spirit was dead because of Adam’s sin, is one with the Holy
Spirit who is Almighty. So why do we fear?
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