Being Light in a Dark Place

There isn’t any question that American culture has been transformed from a dominantly Judeo/Christian culture to a dominantly secular one. Biblical values and morals are not embraced by our society. We cannot win in the courts or at the ballot box that which has been lost in the court of public opinion. How we as Christians choose to respond to this is important for our witness for Christ.

 

Perhaps we should put into practice the strategy that has attracted people to Christianity for over two thousand years—authentic Christian living. We could argue, cajole and protest, but Jesus said “love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you (Matthew 5:44).

 

A Barna Research study asked non-Christians whether they viewed the role of Christians in America as favorable or unfavorable. In 1996, 85% viewed Christians favorably. In 2008, just 12 years later, that approval rating dropped down to 15%! When respondents were asked to describe Christians in the later study adjectives like judgmental, hypocritical, close-minded, and insensitive were used. I understand that the words and actions of Christians may be misunderstood. But if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck…well, you get the point.

 

The characteristics the world should see from our lives are listed in the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law (Galatians 5:22, 23).” No one ever turned someone away from Christ by offering to be a friend, by helping someone out, by being kind and good.

 

The apostle Paul gives us good advice for living in a non-Christian culture. He wrote “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one(Colossians 4:2-6).

 

There’s the strategy for reaching others for Christ in a secular culture: pray, live wisely towards others, speak to encourage and edify and be ready to share the truth of the gospel when asked. It worked in the totally pagan society of the first century! Jesus Christ said “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).” So let it shine for your family, your friends, your neighbors and your co-workers. Let's not be intimidated, let's shine!