Jesus taught during his earthly ministry that Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men (Matthew 5:13). If Christians are supposed to make a difference and lead others to the saving knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ, it must be obvious that we are different than those around us. We are not to participate in activities that can tarnish our reputation.
The apostle Peter wrote that ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (I Peter 2:9). By our new nature – the nature of Christ – we are to be different than the world around us, causing the focus not to be on ourselves, but on the Lord Jesus Christ. According to Peter, as Christians we must sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (I Peter 3:15). How can the world see the love of Christ demonstrated if they cannot see his presence in our lives?
