Salt can loose its savor and when it does, it is good for nothing. No sensible person would use salt that cannot flavor. Similarly, as Christians, we cannot behave like the world. We must be different. While we mingle with the world, we must not allow ourselves to be led astray. Should this happen, there will be no sanctifying power to diffuse the darkness. As God’s children, we cannot be seen as whoremongers, murders, liars, sexual immoral, idolaters, or abominable. We cannot be like them. We should be the example, the light, the salt.

The Bible records the story of Ananias who reneged on his vow to God and his wife as an accessory to the fact. Ananias had promised to sell his land and return all proceeds to God; but after the sale, he had a change of heart. He decided to lie about the sale price with the view of only giving part of the proceeds to the Church. His wife was in full support of this decision. He went to church and presented his offering, but the Holy Spirit told Peter that Ananias lied about the sale price. When confronted on the spot, his immediate punishment was death. The same punishment was meted out to his wife only minutes after his burial. A really harsh punishment for breaking a vow!!

He was unwilling to give up all to follow Jesus into full-time ministry. He could not envision himself as a full-time missionary with Jesus. He just wanted to continue doing the little he was accustomed to doing while enjoying his luxury and comfort. Yet, not all was like this young man. There were others who trusted God, left it all and followed Jesus.

So, if God’s blessings aren’t overtaking you as promised, you need to revisit your obedience to His commands. If economic recession has left you in an economic daze; if your bread basket is empty and the bills are piling up; if your enemies seems to be prevailing, it’s time for a introspect obedience check to God’s commands. Then like Nehemiah, cry out to God in confession and He will abundantly pardon. Speak His promises to Him in prayer.

He had it all! Life was good. Yet he was so restless. He wondered what life was like on the other side of town – a place he had never been. He had never been to the movies, never entered the doors of a night club, and never partied until day light. He had never dressed in ‘bling’ clothing, nor had he ever had a drink. He was sure all the fun was on the other side of town. Yet, here he was-- living like ‘old people’. No fun, just the same everyday stuff!

So, have you ever made a pledge and dishonor it? God will forgive you. Next time, do not pledge and do not swear. Practice transparency in your life so that others can take you at your word. Then say ‘yes’ or say ‘no’. If people fail to believe you, that’s too bad. Just be certain that between you and God, you spoke the truth. Let your conversation be ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Anything else is evil.

There is always a more excellent way. Jesus instructed us to “Lay up treasures in Heaven.” Heavenly treasures do not consist of banking your money in church, expecting to have many dollars to spend when you get to Heaven. Many would like you to think that the more you give, the bigger your mansion will be. But this is not so. We lay up treasurers in Heaven by investing our time, talent, and money in God’s work of transforming characters for eternity.