Article August 2, 1941 Issue

Signs of the Times

Topic: Confidence in God's Care

James Reid with contributions from W. E. Wisseman, Charles E. S. Kraemer, Asa J. Ferry, William Ward Ayer, Orien W. Fifer

[Rev. James Reid, D.D., in the British Weekly, London, England]

One of the New Testament phrases which has passed into common speech is that which Christ [Jesus] applied to his followers. He called them "the salt of the earth." We all know what it means, though it is not easy to put into words. Salt prevents decay and corruption. It keeps food wholesome. It also gives it a flavor. It keeps it from being insipid and tasteless. There are people like that. Impurity, meanness, or uncharitableness cannot live in their presence. They are hopeful, encouraging, vital. They make us feel that life is worth living. They find a relish in facing hardship or difficulty. They give us a taste for living.

These are qualities which belong to our Christian faith, and which spring from it. . . . The salt may lose its savor. The zest may fade out of our Christianity. It may become a tasteless thing, insipid and useless. How can the savor be brought back to it? That was the question Christ [Jesus] faced. His answer is worth thinking about. He says we shall be "salted with fire."

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