WHAT KIND OF A LIGHT ARE WE?

There is no question the church does not the cultural influence it once held.  If I had any doubt, a recent report from Pew Research confirmed it.  I would have expected millennials to view the church as a non-factor when it comes to social issues. The unfortunate reality is over half of practicing Christians believe the church has lost its influence as well.  In the minds of many we have become salt that has lost its flavor (Matthew 5:13-14).

If you are of the opinion that the church should not be a voice when it comes to social issues you need to spend some time reading Matthew 5-7.  Jesus longest discourse contains numerous references to social issues.  Adultery, divorce, business ethics and care for the homeless and needy are all covered.  After the Beatitudes, which serve as a preface, Jesus calls his disciples to be the “light to the world”

Let there be little doubt, the world knows where the church stands on social issues.  We are against abortion and value life in all forms.  We deplore violence and are in opposition to racism in all forms.  Those opinions are fortified as stand around the coffee pot on Sunday morning, as we reflect on how our country sinks further into moral decline.  The sentiments are further reinforced as we conservative voices on radio talk shows and via social media. I am moved to ask; what kind of light are we?

Millennials have gotten the message.  They know what we stand against, and as a result we are known more for what we are against than for what we stand for.  I fear we have become the flavor-less salt Jesus warned about.  I am left to wonder if we are the “resounding bell and clanging cymbal” Paul warned about in 1 Corinthians 13.  I have to ask, where is the love that Paul reflects on in the rest of that chapter? “Love is patient and kind.  It does not envy or boast.  It is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:5).  If we read further we read that love does not dishonor others and keeps no record of wrong.  If we need an example of that love we need look no further than Jesus, who almost seemed drawn to those whose lifestyle ran counter to the law.  I fear we are viewed more as the Pharisees of biblical times, than as Jesus. 

That makes me sad, but it also challenges me to do what I can to change the perception.