Salt Life

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet." (Matthew 5:13)

Recently I saw two stories on Facebook, both caught my attention. One was about the Governor of Texas, Rick Perry and the other about a high school graduate by the name of Brooks Hamby. The two stories made me think about our Republic and the downward spiral that we are in. 

The first story was on Governor Rick Perry, who because of  some strong backlash from the homosexual community, crawfished on his stance on homosexuality. He stated that he neither condoned or condemned the homosexual lifestyle. He went on to say that "we are all God's children".  Which was cleared up in that article with the verse in John 1:12, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God..." Also 1 John 3:10, "By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother." It's sad that a man who is supposed to be a mature Christian could make the mistake of calling people who reject God's word and live in a lifestyle of sin , child of God.

The second story was on the graduate, Brooks Hamby, who was the salutatorian at his high school graduation ceremony. His speech was rejected by school officials 3 times due to the mention of his Christian faith. Brooks went on stage at his graduation to give his speech. In a very respectful way gave it, including the mention of his speech being turned down numerous times due to the mention of his faith. He went on to quote this verse, "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet." (Matthew 5:13)

When I look at these two stories and the verse that Mr Hamby quoted, it stands as a stark reminder of the condition that our nation is in. Our politicians are scared. They are for the most part backing off of moral issues hoping to get elected. They are going with the flow to not offend any potential voters.  While the young people are standing, exhausted at the wishy washy leadership they have before them. School officials striking down a speech that speaks of someone's faith because they are too lazy to check the rights of a student. Politicians squirming when asked tough questions. Church going adults who ride the pew like a cowboy rides a horse. Parents who talk the talk but don't put one foot in front of the other to walk the walk. What's wrong with our nation? The leaders of all sorts, are leading by example...a bad example. 

It is very encouraging to see young people like Brooks Hamby who are not afraid to speak out and doing it in a respectful way. Reminds me of another verse, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12) I pray that revival comes to America and it may very well start with the young. 

Vern