Our culture is changing. Where 30 years ago you could easily assume the majority of your neighbors, co-workers, and friends were Christians (some more practicing than others), these days, the opposite is true. Our society has splintered, we live in an increasingly secular and pluralistic world, and many of us are still having trouble adjusting. Going from the assumed norm to what seems like an increasingly narrow slice of the population is bewildering, intimidating even. It's hard to know where you stand and how to engage with others. At its core, we're simply not used to being a minority.
As Christians, we still have a responsibility to be faithful witnesses for Christ. We cannot just throw up our hands in the face of the modern age and retreat back into our own circles, quietly shaking our heads. We need to learn how to live proudly in a pluralistic as shining examples of Christ. We need to learn how to demonstrate our faith and share our beliefs in a way that is inviting and open to others, not defensive and judgmental.
Humility in all things
You can't participate in a culture you deem beneath you. You can't reach out to people you feel are the enemy. These are toxic attitudes that won't help you witness for Christ. As it says in the Bible -
"Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” (Romans 12:16 )
It's important to stay humble and accepting while reaching out to others. Not to come at them from a position of moral superiority or with arguments and condemnation, but with conversation and genuine love.
Remember, the early Christians were an isolated group with unpopular ideas living in a pluralistic culture. They took on hostile opponents who had no problem with stoning them or throwing them to the lions for their beliefs. They lived in a world where different sects worshiped a myriad of Gods and operated under the own, very different, belief structures. Yet, they somehow managed to not only survive, but convince others their way was the true path to salvation.
They didn't do this with a haughty attitude, condescension, or by clinging to a position of superiority. They did it by going out amongst others and talking to them. By having conversations and demonstrating their beliefs for all to see. If those early Christians had been intimidated by a pluralistic world and contended themselves with there own private bubble of friends and Christians, God's love would have never reached anyone. We need to reflect their courage, faith, and humility now more than ever.
This is time for show, not tell
In a society that seems to have moved away from Christianity and considers it an irrelevant institution, actions speak louder than words. We're not going to preach people back into the Church, we have to show them the way.
Demonstrate the love and mercy of Christ everyday. Hold yourself to a higher standard than others, not to lord it above anyone else, but to show that it is possible to be humble, kind, generous, and avoid the temptations of our modern world. Give more of yourself to others, take the time and effort to reach out. Make people wonder "why is he/she so different from everyone else?” Let them see the Lord work in you and draw their own conclusions. That there is truth and grace in Christianity that can have a real impact on their lives.
This is an invitation
Change your outlook. Don't look at the plurality of voices out there as a threat. Don't bemoan the "good old days.” Instead, look at the world as an invitation to witness for Christ. A challenge to meet instead of a threat to hide from.
Witnessing to others from a position of humility and earnestness is a more meaningful act of love than reaffirming a dominant culture. Staying true to who you are and what you value, and not being intimidated from showing it is more courageous than being one of the crowd. Being a witness for Christ in a culture that desperately needs more and better witnesses is a beautiful thing.
The monoculture is over. The days of automatically assuming that everyone holds the same beliefs as you are done. That's okay, our mission is still the same – to live lives that rejoice in the Lord and share His truth. It's a mission that is more important that ever.
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