Prominent leaders, from John Winthrop to Ronald Reagan, have referred to America as “A Shining City Upon a Hill.”  They did so based on Matthew 5:13-16:

“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.  Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

For many decades, the United States was a savory nation that illuminated the path of right for others to follow.  As a nation founded on Biblical principles, codified in the Constitution, American exceptionalism thrived for an extended period of time.  Yet, such a nation could only maintain its attractive position as long as a strong core of Christians upheld the principles of salt and light in their individual lives.  After all, a nation (its government, its media, its entertainment, its churches, its schools, its communities) is a reflection of its citizens.

Have we, as the Christian core of this country, lost our savour?  Please pray that we would be the salt and light that the Lord intends for us to be.