In the midst of cultural turbulence and societal unrest, the call for Christians to be salt and light in our nation has never been more crucial. As believers, we are called to bring healing to our land, to be agents of change and transformation in our communities, and to embody the love and truth of Christ in all that we do.

In a recent interview on Healing Rain, Bunni Pounds, author of “Jesus and Politics: One Woman’s Walk with God in a Mudslinging Profession,” shared insights into the vital role of Christians in engaging with politics and culture. Through the organization Christians Engaged, Bunni activates Christians to pray, vote, and engage in shaping the future of our nation. Watch our recent interview:

 

What Does Bringing Healing to the Nation Involve?

Recent events have highlighted the need for spiritual revival and restoration in our nation. The words of 2 Chronicles 7:14 resonate deeply in this context:

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Here are five key points outlined in 2 Chronicles 7:14 that serve as a blueprint for bringing healing to our land:

1. Humbling Ourselves: As Christians, we must humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our dependence on Him and seeking His guidance and wisdom in all things.
2. Prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool for transformation. We are called to fervently pray for our nation, its leaders, and its people, trusting in God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring about change.
3. Seeking God’s Face: Our pursuit of healing and restoration begins with seeking intimacy with God. As we draw near to Him, He reveals His heart and His will for our lives and our nation.
4. Repentance: Genuine repentance is essential for experiencing God’s forgiveness and healing. We must turn away from sin and disobedience and align our lives with God’s truth and righteousness.
5. God’s Promise of Healing: God’s promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is one of hope and assurance. When we fulfill the conditions outlined in this verse, God promises to hear our prayers, forgive our sins, and bring healing to our land.

How to Be Salt and Light

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus explicitly calls his followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Jesus emphasizes the transformative and illuminating impact that believers should have on society. Just as salt adds flavor and preserves, and light dispels darkness and guides, Christians are called to bring positive influence and moral clarity to the world around them. This imagery underscores the importance of actively engaging with the culture and being agents of healing, restoration, and righteousness in a world that desperately needs it.

As Christians, let us rise up in faith and obedience, fulfilling our calling to be salt and light in our nation. May we embrace the challenge before us with humility, prayer, and repentance, trusting in God’s faithfulness to bring healing and restoration to our land.