Let us remember to be a shining light among the people, to shepherd them into righteousness through love, compassion and a strong positive example. In this day of anti-logic, identity politics and extreme polarization, I believe it will be our actions (particularly if you are a straight, white Christian man) that demonstrates our authenticity in the faith, marking us as true believers and not just some terrorist faction hell-bent on ushering in fascism.

In Matthew 5:13, Christ tells us, "You are salt for the earth. But if salt loses its taste, how will it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people."

In fact Matthew 5:11-16 touches heavily on the social climate of today and gives instructions to those he would call His elect: “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great! For in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on a lampstand so it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

Don't fall prey to the outrage culture that is so popular and addicting these days, which feeds into our egocentrism. It is not necessary to engage anyone in argument or debate for any reason. In fact it is counter-productive, as most people who are against Christianity or are Athiests don’t WANT to understand our faith, they would rather persecute us according to their caricaturized perspective of the Bible. Our quiet, demonstrative actions will speak louder and be more understandable than any words.

Let’s stay salty, my friends!