Blog Posts
It's not exactly breaking news that the subject of Christianity in the marketplace is a very prevalent and current conversation. Discussions about whether or not Christians have the responsibility to bake a cake for a wedding they disagree with, or if we should shop at certain stores that promote ideas that we, as Christians, reject based upon the teachings of scripture. These are common scenarios today. They are also conversations that believers hold many and varied positions on. I can understand that. Some (not all) of these situations aren't as easy to figure out as simply quoting a bible verse. One particular idea that I want to address is the idea that we bitterly isolate ourselves from individuals who do oppose the gospel we cherish and live by. I was reading today of a story that described a store that would not print a flier for some sort of Christian event. I'm not sure what the event was and I'm not sure of the details of the whole situation. It doesn't matter. The point I want to make is that many of those who commented on the story did so with a bitter and even antagonistic rebuttal. Comments like, "I'm going to wear my Christian shirt into the store and wander around and not buy anything. I'm going to do this several times a week." Other comments laced with antagonism stating that they will no longer shop at that store. While I understand the Christians righteous indignation regarding being discriminated against because of their faith, I disagree with the fact that we should bitterly isolate from those who hold views opposed to our gospel. Jesus himself said that he did not want us taken out of the world but to be kept from the evil that is in the world. John 17:15-18 ESV
[15] I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. [16] They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. [17] Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. [18] As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
Essentially, what he is saying is that he wants you in the world as a light to the darkness. That means that we, by the will of God, need to be in proximity to those who hold views that are different than us. Even views that war against us as believers. That's a tough pill to swallow. But that's what disciples do. To be clear, I'm not saying that it doesn't matter where you spend your money or that you should compromise your Christian values on the altar of evangelism. What I am saying is that unless Christians are near people who do not know the gospel then how will they hear?
Romans 10:14 ESV
[14] How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? I encourage us to do the hard work of continuing to be a light in the midst of a dark world. If the light withdraws the darkness will remain.
Blessings!
Mark Cullum
Pastor, Generation Church
Sacramento, CA