Speaking Into Our Culture With Biblical Values

If you know me, you know that I believe that the church has one mandate, and that is to proclaim the Gospel: Jesus died for us and rose again so that we can be reconciled to our Creator. That’s the message the church has been called by Jesus himself to share, because no matter where people are at in their political views, they all need God. While New Testament writers and the early church spoke about matters of morality and justice, they never told the Roman government what to do, or where it needed to change. Instead, they became the change, which led to mass evangelism, and eventual cultural transformation. It all happened because of their laser focus on the Gospel, while practicing good in their daily lives, living out that Gospel in their lifestyle and compassion for others.But Christians do have an obligation to speak into our culture with Biblical values. As individual followers of Jesus, we are also called to be positive forces for good in this world. That was implicit in Jesus’ directive to be salt and light.How we go about doing that, however, is paramount, and determines whether or not our attempts to make a difference actually do. Here are some good reminders when speaking into our culture:

• Most issues are more gray than black or white. Recognize complexity where it exists.
• Look for, and acknowledge, the good in others, even your opponents.
• Speak with unifying rhetoric and seek to understand those with whom you disagree.
• Let your actions speak louder than your words. Do something yourself.
• The Gospel takes precedence over every other message and is the ultimate solution for every other issue.

There are good and godly people who have thought through contemporary issues as carefully as you have, and have landed at a different place. You have much to offer them, and they have some things to offer you. That’s why reasonable and respectful dialogue is so important. And it accomplishes much more than posting inflammatory articles and divisive diatribes. Discussing these issues in person is much more effective than social media battles, where many hide behind their keyboards and spew vitriol. We teach better when we are also learning, and we learn better when we are also listening.If Christians become the example with unifying rhetoric in this very divided world, with charitable responses and wise solutions, we will accomplish far more good than any political force, and in doing so, also effectively point people to the Savior we represent. I would think that should be our goal in every discussion surrounding matters of justice.