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Response
We have a tendency to classify things, often referring to “secular” and “sacred” categories. When we say “sacred,” we typically mean “related to Christianity” or “appropriate for church use,” while “secular” usually refers to “worldly” or “lacking a Christian theme.” For instance, we differentiate between “sacred” music and “secular” music. “Sacred” music contains explicit Christian themes, whereas “secular” music encompasses everything else.
Does the Bible make a distinction between secular and sacred domains? In a way, yes. The Bible does mention individuals who are “set apart” or “sanctified” for a special purpose. The term for “church” in the New Testament, ekklesia, translates to “a called-out assembly.” The individuals who form the church are considered “sacred”; they are called out from the world and dedicated to God. They are “called to be saints” “to all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”, (Romans 1:7, ESV). They are described as salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16).
However, in another sense, the Bible does not draw a clear line between secular and sacred. All of creation belongs to God, and one day, all of creation will be renewed “For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.”, (Romans 8:22). We understand that “God placed all things under [Christ’s] feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way” “and God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.”, (Ephesians 1:22). He
Did this “so that God may be all in all” «And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. », (1 Corinthians 15:28). In other words, all peoples, cultures, and authorities will one day be brought completely under the lordship of Jesus Christ (see Philippians 2:10-11 and Isaiah 2:2). Christians engaging the culture should do so with a view to that end.
For the Christian in the workplace, it should not matter whether or not he is in vocational Christian ministry. Even a secular job can be a sacred ministry for the Lord. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24). Everything we do, from work, to relationships, to hobbies, to eating and drinking, is to be done for the glory of God «Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. », (1 Corinthians 10:31).
When we compartmentalize our lives into secular and sacred categories, we risk relegating “church stuff” to Sundays and thinking the rest of the week belongs to us, to live as we please. But this is not biblical. We are to love the Lord with a whole heart. We are to serve the Lord with all our strength, not just what’s left over after we take care of the “secular” activities. This means that, even as we move through our daily routines, we can honor the Lord and perform our mundane tasks for His sake. The “secular” can be infused with the “sacred.”
A word of wisdom is presented here. Some categorization is beneficial and essential in life. It is important not to confuse the roles of the different institutions in society. For instance, God has entrusted the church with tasks such as spreading the gospel, nurturing believers, and enriching the culture it is part of. The church holds the sacred responsibility of graciously, lovingly, and patiently directing society towards Christ. Conversely, God has assigned the state the responsibilities of restraining evil, punishing wrongdoers, and rewarding the righteous by administering justice (Romans 13:1-5). The state also carries a sacred duty, as “the one in authority is God’s servant” «for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. », (Romans 13:4). Church and state function in distinct spheres, as designed by God. When both entities fulfill their roles effectively, they mutually benefit from each other.
It is not desirable for the church to establish tax codes and adjudicate criminals, just as it is inappropriate for the state to dictate the church’s missionary budget or select its pastors. According to the Bible, these two entities are meant to be separate, but this necessary division can sometimes lead to a harmful secular/sacred divide in our mindset. To delegate all “secular” matters to the state and confine anything “sacred” within the church creates a false dichotomy in society. The church is capable of and should engage with society as a whole, while the state can and should address morality and other “sacred” or “religious” issues. In matters concerning ethics and morality, the church should have the state’s attention and the ability to express the biblical perspective on any moral issue. When there is hostility between the state and the church (or vice versa), both entities are at a disadvantage, and society suffers.
Suffers.
The common designations of “secular” and “sacred” are overused. A Christian artist will create art to the glory of God: there is nothing overtly “sacred” about a still-life of a bowl of pears, but there’s nothing “secular” about it, either. A Christian musician will create music to the glory of God. A Christian homemaker will bake cookies to the glory of God. A Christian mechanic will fix cars to the glory of God. The possibilities are endless; as we walk in the Spirit, the line between secular and sacred becomes increasingly blurred.
