In a culture where “a woman’s right to choose,” is code for aborting an unborn baby, where “pride” is a euphemism for promoting same-sex relationships, and where a man can decide to become a woman and compete in women’s sports, Christians can feel strangely out of step.
The late 20th century post-modernism movement has sown to the wind and is now reaping the whirlwind, as the prophet Hosea put it. As Richard Weaver wrote in his 1948 book warning of modern liberalism and moral relativism, “Ideas have Consequences.” Our culture has lost its way. It is confused and conflicted. It calls evil good and good evil. It substitutes light for darkness. And darkness for light.
In the midst of this moral mess, what is a Christian to do? Where do we turn? How should we respond? Here are 7 suggestions.
#1 Don’t Be Ashamed of God’s Truth.
Too often critics of Christianity put us on our heals and try to inflict guilt either becausae of the ungodly actions of others, or due to their incorrect perceptions of our faith.
Like Paul, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel.” It is the message of life, light and love. It transforms and changes the sinner into a saint. It gives hope to the hopeless and help to the hapless. It’s God saving power. Never be ashamed to believe, obey and embrace its Divine message and ministry.
#2 Where appropriate, offer a defense of your faith.
Not every setting, situation and circumstance is the right environment to engage in a religious discussion. When you are at work, work. When you are at social gathering, respect the host and other guests. When you attending a service club meeting, realize the purpose of your gathering.
However, even in those situations, there may be opportunities to gently, kindly and succinctly share a nugget of Truth that may plant a seed for future discussion.
Peter admonished that we should always be ready to provide reasons for what we believe and why we believe (1 Pet. 3:15). Find opportunities with those who will listen, to defend “the faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3).
#3 Always demonstrate the character of Christ in your interactions.
Never forget we’re disciples of Christ. As his messengers, we are to shine a light on Him and reflect His glory and virtue. He is our example, as we follow in His footsteps (1 Pet.2:21). Thus, we should treat people like Christ treated them. Be kind. Loving. Forgiving. Patient. Compassionate. When people won’t listen to the message, let them see it. Be light. Be salt. (Matt. 5:13-16).
#4 Don’t engage in “foolish controversies.”
Paul warned Timothy about those who would quarrel about issues that were “unprofitable and worthless.” Avoid them, he admonished (Titus 3:9). We would do well to follow that advice today. Petty disputes, splitting hairs over vague doctrinal differences, and passing judgment on hypothetical situations only gender strife, stir up trouble, and make us look foolish.
#5 Ignore personal attacks.
Most of the time it’s best to rise above insults, insinuations and ab hominem arguments. If you are reviled, reproached, and ridiculed for your faith, don’t retaliate. Count it an honor to be abused for the “name of Christ” (1 Pet. 4:14).
#6 Respond to hate with love.
In Jesus’ mountain message, He commanded us to love our enemies. Bless those who curse us. And pray for those who persecute us (Matt. 5:44). Martin Luther King, Jr was right, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
“Repay no one evil for evil…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:17, 21).
#7 Care about the souls of the lost.
John Stonestreet, President of the Colson Center, observed that ideas not only have consequences, but “bad ideas have victims.” Remember what Paul said about the opponents of Christianity? They are enemies of Christ. And he said their “end is destruction,” as we wept for them (Phil. 3:18). Why? Because they are in “the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will” (2 Tim. 2:26).
We should take no joy in the sad state of those who reject the gospel. Instead show compassion. Like Paul, pray for those who are lost (Rom. 10:1-3).
More than ever, “Seeking the lost,” ought to be our message and mission. People need Jesus. They need the soul-saving Gospel. They help to navigate this mess and find hope beyond this life.
As we witness the conflict between Christ and culture, we can neither retreat, nor should we reflect its flaws. Rather we should seek rededication to the cause of Christ, spiritual renewal within ourselves, and promote revival to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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You are aware that back in the book of Jeremiah and Nahum (I think is where it is at) God lifted up the skirts of His people in order for the entire world to see the filth and abominations that His people are committing.. If we were to apply this to our day than its pretty much no different being that churches everywhere are bolding doing away with God’s Torah while at the same time saying that this and this part of God’s Torah you keep such as to not commiting homosexuality etc while practicing the art of confusion themselves. This is exactly what Liberals does the only time they want anything to do with law and order is when it benefits themselves, they also perverse and twist what the American law (constitution) says. And by doing so they are destroying this once a great nation… This is what Isaiah 24 was referring to when He said that He is gonna destroy the word because they have transgressed the commandments, violated the laws and abrogated the everlasting Covenant…. This everlasting covenant is the covenant that was given to Abraham which the circumcision was a sign of and was called the covenant, the covenant where God said that He will be a God to him and his descendants if they keep this everlasting covenant and you will dwell in this land and be fruitful and be exceedingly great
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