I heard someone say once that we live on this tri-legged stool as part of God's Kingdom: Not IN the world - yet OF the world and sent TO the world. Hmmm.
This is a big hangup for a lot of believers. In our quest for holiness, we end up having nothing to do with those far from God.
'I won't go into a room where people are smoking.' (I know - don't say it - you have allergies.)
'I can't be seen with you because your skirts are too short.'
'I don't hang with people who drink or cuss - they might rub off on me.'
And on and on and on.
We cannot engage the popular culture by escaping from it - nor can we hope to influence it by isolating ourselves from it. Jesus didn't.
Even worse, from the way some believers speak, you would think our number one job was to pronounce judgment on the world. No. Our job isn't judgment, but influence. When Jesus returns, He will judge.
Keep going. Sometimes we act as though we believe we're supposed to contend for the Gospel every single time the world comes out against it ... that every pronouncement by society requires a 'Christian' response. We assume the Kingdom of Heaven is looking for our help to defend it. Jesus never tried to 'keep up' with the Roman Empire. Why not? Because He knew there was no competition there. 'My Kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest ... My Kingdom is from another place.' (John 18:36)
But we can change the world - one life at a time - and we can be involved in the world - in redemptive activities.
Run for the school board so you can help monitor what kinds of textbooks come into the public school classroom.
Run for office - or at the very least - vote regularly.
Stay abreast of the news and current issues so you know what is going on - like your friends who are 'in the world' do.
Have conversations across the backyard fence.
Have a neighborhood picnic where you invite your neighbors to just have a cook out - get to know them.
Choose a 'secular' career that will get you into the mainstream of society where your influence can be greatest.
Get involved in local business and community leadership teams.
Get involved in entertainment
Get involved in law and medicine.
We cannot engage the culture by avoiding it; we must fill it with Kingdom people.
I'm done now. Something 'fun' tomorrow.
And be blessed.
2 comments:
Well said Pastor. We must engage people with Love and truth, as Christ did. Being real with people and transparent I think is the key to win them over. There is so much work we must continue to do just on ourselves. We are incapable of bringing the kind of Love necessary without a daily surrender to Christ. Jim J
I was at our investment conference for four days and observed the power of the "silent witness."
Two of our executive leaders are known not to drink alcohol during the pre-dinner social hour. They either have a glass of water or hold a soda can in their hand as they make the rounds with the employees. I heard several new employees ask colleagues why the two leaders do not drink. It was interesting to hear the responses: They don't drink because they are religious; with a quick follow up, but they are cool.
Each of these leaders has 800 - 1,200 people reporting to them and is very successful in their respective jobs. It is so powerful to observe a Christian who is successful from a secular standpoint, but who maintains a silent witness via their actions. Be angry, but don't cuss or berate an employee; participate in social events, but do not drink; be a top performer, but be humble. This silent witness was an inspiration to me who aspires to have the same impact on others. Dave Isaacson
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