It is a difficult time and place in which we live. Although, truthfully, if you study history there’s never really an easy time and place to live. Each age and season has its difficulties and struggles through which the Church has to carefully walk.
So, how is the Church suppose to walk through today’s struggles? To put it another way – how as Christians are we suppose to live today?
In today’s culture it is common to hear the word “tolerant” but less common to see it practiced. In today’s culture you can be labeled a bigot for having any opinion. You can be called ‘narrow-minded, un-loving,’ and ‘hate-filled’ because you refuse to agree with certain actions and attitudes.
How do we live? How do we respond to the people who call us judgmental?
How do we respond to a culture that doesn’t want to hear what we have to say and frankly, where the Church is so divided you have believers on every side of every issue?
How do you discuss topics?
When do you stay quiet?
When do you put your foot down and draw a line in the sand?
When do you agree to disagree?
If you’re looking for specific answers I’m afraid I don’t have much to give you.
Except for 2 things.
1 – “If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God who gives to all men freely” (James 1:5a) Pray pray pray. Believer, this is not the time to be slacking in your prayer life. If ever this church, this culture needed men and women of prayer this is the day.
And what are you praying for – wisdom. Ask God point blank ‘how in the world do I live? What would Jesus do in this situation? You said ask for wisdom and You would give it. Well, Father, I desperately need wisdom. How do I handle…?’
2 – Love. Whether you stay silent, whether you speak, whether you agree to disagree or put your foot in the sand and refuse to move you do it in love. Love for God and His reputation that He may be glorified in your actions. Love for your neighbor that they may see God’s love in and through you. We need to learn to ask ourselves ‘how can I best love my neighbor in this situation?’ And that may look different every single time.
May we be men and women of prayer. Men and women who freely acknowledge our need and ask God for wisdom. And may we be known by our love. Our love for God first and foremost but secondly, love for our neighbor. And even if the world calls us judgmental, stubborn, narrow, and foolish may they always have to admit – at least we loved.