What did Jesus mean when He said, “You are the salt of the earth,” “You are the light of the world”? He was speaking to His followers telling them how valuable they were in fulfilling His Kingdom agenda. He expected his followers to absorb His teaching and model His values so our world would be constrained from the kind of wicked behavior that could cause it to self-destruct. Jesus taught that the heart of our problem is the problem of our heart; and unless and until society recognizes this truth, it will gradually and slowly trend downward until it is so corrupt that it destroys itself. Here is how Jesus described the human heart found in Mark 7, “Out of a person’s heart come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.” Jesus said to correct this condition, a person needs not reformation but a new heart, one He would give to all who admit their helpless sinful state, come to him, and allow Him to transform them. Admittedly, change comes quickly for some; slowly for others. But it comes for all who turn from a self-centered life to receive eternal life from Jesus Christ our Lord.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
