"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:13-16

A couple of weeks ago my son was impressed by a well known quote that his pastor shared during the Sunday sermon.    

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke

Even though I have heard this quote expressed many times over the years, as he shared it with me, I was reminded that as a Christian I am to be the salt and light of the earth.   Without my active Christian witness, evil will take advantage influencing those around me.

Here are some things I've been pondering this week; join me in asking yourself these questions:

1. What is God asking of me today? Am I listening? Can I hear His voice? Am I willing to the things He asks me to do?
2. Have I lost my saltiness? Do my character, actions, and words season those around me with the love of Jesus?
3. Do I conform to the norms of this world to avoid ridicule rather than standing up for Biblical truth and principles?
4. Does my lifestyle represent Jesus? Can others see the light of Christ shining in and through me? Am I more concerned about things than about people?
5. If I were brought to trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me?

It may often be very difficult to take a stand for what is morally right, especially in a culture where right is somehow twisted into appearing wrong; but if we fail to try, who will?   Puritan Francis Bacon once said, "There is no comparison between that which is lost by not succeeding and that which is lost by not trying."

Legend has it that In the fourth century a little monk named Telemachus from Asia (modern day Turkey comprises the Roman province of Asia; or perhaps Asia Minor is meant), was led by an inner voice to go to Rome without knowing why.  He followed the crowds to the Coliseum.  Two gladiators were fighting, and Telemachus tried to get between them to stop them, shouting three times, "In the name of Christ, forbear!" Telemachus was killed by being run through with the sword of one of the gladiators.  When the crowd saw the little monk lying dead in a pool of blood, they fell silent, leaving the stadium, one by one.  Because of Telemachus' death, three days later, the Emperor by decree ended the Games.

Here are four great Christian books you should know, abridged and lightly updated for ease of reading: 

Check out "The Essential Christian Classics Collection, " containing  

• "The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life" by Hannah Whitall Smith
• "Foxe's Christian Martyrs" by John Foxe
• "In His Steps" by Charles M. Sheldon
• "The Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan.  

These books own a well-deserved status as Christian classics, having challenged and encouraged readers over the past four centuries. Now, they're shortened and simplified for today's busy reader.