Roaring Lambs. By Bob Briner

Growing up in the evangelical church, many people can fall into the belief that to really minister, to really be effective for Christ, you have to go into full time, professional ministry.  And the rest of us that aren’t in the ministry just support those doing the real work of God.  There is also the belief that some professions and occupations are lost to the world and that we should avoid them.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Bob Briner reminds us that we are the salt of the earth.  For a lot of us that phrase has lost its true meaning.  When we hear about someone who is “the salt of the earth”, many think of someone who is a rather dull, slow, conforming individual – a hard worker, maybe honest but pretty tame, a loyal churchman who seldom does anything outside of the church.  But the salt that Jesus has in mind is stinging, biting, cleansing and preserving and is anything but dull, anything but tame.  Throughout history salt has been used as both a flavor enhancer and a preservative.  It doesn’t stop something from spoiling, it just keeps it good for longer.  That is what we are as Christians, a preservative to this world.  How many times have we heard people complain how TV, film, politics, media, art, and the theater have nothing of value and that they are corrupt?  But as Briner raises the question, how many Christian are encouraging their children to pursue a career in those professions?  How can those professions stop from being spoiled without a preservative?  Christians need to be that preservative.  We have all been placed in a career and been given a talent for a reason.  Can’t a Christian be an excellent businessman? Can’t a Christian be an inspiring painter?  Can’t a Christian be an honest, effective Congressman?  Though Briner focus is on different media outlets and seems a little dated, the message is the same in any profession.  We are the salt of the earth, and we need to preserve it.  We need to do everything with excellence for the glory of God.  I encourage any Christian to read this book if they are serious about becoming a more effective witness for Christ.