Infiltrate in 2012

Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor.
Ephesians 4:25

Back in 1940, only 20 percent of college students admitted to cheating. Today, that number has increased to 75%-98%. Worse yet, two-thirds of parents think cheating is no big deal and that all students do it, according to statistics from National Public Radio. What has happened to integrity?

If 2012 is going to be better than 2011 there will have to be more integrity in our world and we will have to provide it.  We face a constant struggle being in the world but not being overwhelmed by it. For most of us I think we need to be in it more. We are comfortable surrounding ourselves with Christians, trying to create a Christian environment in which to live our lives. But we need to be bolder and more fearless and begin to operate more out there where the battle is. 

Christians sometimes treat unbelievers as untouchables. They appear as though they are avoiding all contact with them. I can understand not wanting to be influenced in a bad way. But how about influencing others in a good way?

Jesus said that as Christians, we are to be salt and light. In Jesus’ day, salt was used as a preservative. It was rubbed into meat to stop the rotting process. So, as salt in a culture, Christians are to stop the spread of corruption. But another thing salt does is stimulate thirst. So we are to stop the spread of corruption and stimulate a thirst for God in others.

In addition to being salt, Christians are to be light, which means that we are to proclaim the gospel and do good works. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

God has planted us as believers in this world. He has put His people in the culture to influence it, to make a difference. God is not calling us as believers to isolate, but to infiltrate.

Infiltrate in 2012. You’ve been blessed to be a blessing. 

Nick

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