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In recent years, Christians have stepped more boldly into the social arena and made their voices heard. Both Christians and non-Christians alike have taken another look at the Bible’s emphasis on helping the poor and speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves (Leviticus 25:35; Exodus 22:25; James 2:14-16). Whereas a few decades ago, religion was thought to be best practiced behind church doors on Sundays, today’s Christians are realizing that was never Jesus’ intent.
One fact that is often overlooked in our post-Christian culture is that most major humanitarian efforts, such as hospitals, orphanages, and universities, were initiated by Christians seeking to make a difference in the world. The abolitionist movements in England and the United States were spearheaded by followers of Christ. Christians are one of the most socially active groups in existence because our Leader, Jesus Christ, taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves «And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. », (Matthew 22:39). Organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse, Compassion International, Focus on the Family, the A21 Campaign, Open Doors, and countless others exist because Christians saw a need and took action.
It’s when Christians use their influence to try to correct moral and ethical issues that the objections begin. Some argue that the “separation of church and state” requires all religion to stay out of the public square. Although the idea of separation of church and state has been used to silence the timid, it appears nowhere in the Constitution of the United States, and Christians need not fear that by expressing a biblically based opinion they are somehow violating a fundamental.One aspect of our nation’s freedom.
Despite His lifestyle of always doing good “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” (Acts 10:38), Jesus did not come into the world to be a social reformer. His miracles, healing, and teachings were not efforts to right all wrongs or to permanently relieve suffering. If that had been His purpose in coming, why would He have waited until that period of history? There had been eons of suffering prior to the birth of Christ. If Jesus had come to address social issues, why spend only three years doing so? Why not start at age 12 when He realized He was to be about His Father’s business “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49)? Why not avoid crucifixion at age 33 so that He could spend decades reforming?
Jesus’ kindness to the oppressed and ostracized was well-known, but He was clear that His purpose in coming to earth was not humanitarian; it was spiritual. Jesus said, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10). He came to preach the good news of the kingdom (Mark 1:36-38). He came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” (Matthew 5:17). He came “to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark…
Mark 10:45; cf: John 12:27 and “to destroy the devil’s work” “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”, 1 John 3:8.
Jesus’ primary goal in coming to earth was the salvation of humanity. He introduced God to fallen Man John 10:10; John 14:9, and then He sacrificed Himself for the sins of the world Matthew 16:21; Matthew 20:28; Mark 8:31; John 10:18. Following His resurrection, Jesus entrusted the message of salvation to a few followers who used it to impact the world (see Acts 17:6). Earlier, Jesus had informed them of the influence they would have in society: “You are the salt of the earth. . . . You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:13-16.
Salt enhances the taste of any food. It also preserves, cleanses, and aids in healing infections. For Christians to be “salt” in the world, we must uphold those unique qualities that stem from abiding in God’s Word. When we adopt the world’s mindset and behavior, we lose our effectiveness. Our involvement in social issues brings equilibrium to a society otherwise influenced by Satan “in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who”
is the image of God, should shine unto them.”, (see 2 Corinthians 4:4).
Light banishes darkness. But a light hidden under a basket cannot illuminate anything. When we hide inside our churches and refuse to bring that light into the community, we are spiritually ineffective. But when, with Holy Spirit boldness, we speak up, run for office, and shed light on social issues with the truth of God’s Word, we are letting His light shine through us. When we see culture praising the termination of unborn children, we must let God’s light shine brightly on the scene and speak His truth in contrast to the neutral words used to defend the indefensible (see Psalm 82:4; Proverbs 24:11). When we learn of poverty-stricken people, we must apply God’s truth to our lives and do what we can to help (Isaiah 58:6-7; James 2:15-17). When injustice rules, we must speak out on behalf of the oppressed, like the Lord Jesus did (Luke 20:46-47; Mark 7:9-13).
Christians should be socially active to the extent God would have them do so. The responsibility of every Christian is to know God’s Word and apply it. James 4:17 says, “If anyone . . . knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” Social action will look different for different individuals because God has gifted us differently. For some, social action will mean holding political office and working to bring truth and justice to a broad arena. For others, social action means using the material wealth God has provided to eliminate hunger and other effects of poverty at home and around the world.
Social action for Christians means we live our faith 24/7 whether at home, at our jobs, or at ourPlaces of worship. There is no switch to turn off our “light” whenever we feel like it. As believers, we carry the Holy Spirit with us wherever we go (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Moreover, as we reside in communities and have unprecedented connections, God requires us to be salt and light in those communities, adding flavor, provoking thought, and shining brightly wherever possible.
