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Jimmy Carter said this about our country’s ideals: “American values are not luxuries, but necessities–not the salt in our bread, but the bread itself.” God calls His people to be salt and light in the world. As salt, we are to help prevent a total collapse of our morals. As lights, we are to show society the ways and will of God. One of the most effective way of winning people to Christ is by the way we love one another. Jesus said “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” When Christ dictated a letter to the church of Ephesus, recorded in Revelation 2, he commended the people for their hard work, their patience during trials, their intolerance of evil, and their purity of doctrine. For these strengths He gives them an A+. But He found fault with their lack love ñfor God and for people. He warned them that if they did not repent and love as they once did, He would come and remove their lamp stand. It is possible that we can be quite focused in adhering to certain aspects of the Gospel enterprise, yet neglectful of others. Jesus might say to us that even though you have pure doctrine, and use all the latest ideas for church growth, if you do not love people as you should, I will remove your lamp stand from its place within my church. When that happens, we will be less effective in our homes, our church, and our nation.
