Continued…

So I got my first question asked in the feedback section and it is a dozy:

I saw your ask a question section, so I will ask one (or a few) I have pondered a great deal Do Christians long for a stronger economy? safer cities and neighborhoods? better education? more integrity in politics? more respect for traditional values? a greater respect for other Christians? more godly laws? cleaner television and movies? an end to abortion, pornography, homosexuality, and violence? In short, a better world? Do these longings represent their hopes for the future? If so, why? Do Christians believe they have a right to expect these things from society? Do Christians believe that the Lord even expects them to demand those rights? And if they are not forthcoming, to fight for them? The Lord promises a new heaven and a new earth. To long for them is normal and even right. But what exactly do Christians have a right to expect while in this world, in its present condition – besides animosity, hostility, and tribulation, that is Here is my main question…. Do Christians have a right to expect any of the societal improvements mentioned above? If so, on what Scriptural basis?

WOW… It took me overnight to digest through my thoughts on these questions, but I will focus on this one:  Do Christians have a right to expect any of the societal improvements mentioned above?

I will admit that I do not often ponder large questions like this.   I tend to be very practical and look at issues from the root cause, and what can I do to change the root cause.  So when presented with this question, the first thing I thought of was how has this process worked out in my life.  Well I am living it, in the Spiritual Battle over abortion. People want to make abortion a political/social issue, and in the arms and thoughts of society it is.  On both sides of the issue people vote for or against candidates in elections solely based on where they stand on the issue.  Expecting which ever person is elected to change things to their point of view and beliefs.

When I started working in the area of Abortion I wrote this in my first post for Prayer for Life:

There has never been a time in my life where I would say I supported abortion and I am positive it would never be an option I condone. But I can also say I never got close enough to it to understand and see both sides. I had never gotten dirty in the trenches, and learned the lessons. Lessons I could work with and through beyond the mission field. I had not seen the faces and emotions involved. I had not seen and experienced the spiritual battle raging…I had stood by apathetically assuming I knew better and that was ok. I never knew that my apathy left me inactive in God’s Kingdom work.

And  there in I believe lies the answer to the question.  I thought I could sit back and watch society take care of the problem.  Almost as if yes I expected a change from society… I just don’t think we can expect anything from  society, no matter the issue, to change if we personally sit back in apathy doing nothing.    I don’t think Jesus sits back apathetically, and hopes we change.  No Jesus is active and working in the lives of those who follow him changing them to His will.

When it comes to any of the social/economic issues listed in the questions above we just can not expect everything.   Want social justice that spreads equality?  I am going to be brutally honest.  Don’t expect something to happen just because you have an opinion or belief about an issue.  I don’t care what side of the debate you are on, or if I agree with you or not.  Get off your butt and do what it is you expect to affect the root cause of the issue.

From the perspective of a follower of Christ, we are commanded to do just that.  We are commanded to action and commanded to do that which is counter to society.   Most often we hear Jesus talk about those in need.  The Poor, the Widows and the Orphans.   We can look to Jesus’ response to the rich man:

Matthew 19: 17- 22 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” ¹⁸ “Which ones?” he inquired.     Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, ¹⁹ honor your father and mother,’^[ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”  ²⁰ “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”    ²¹ Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  ²² When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. (Emphasis Mine)

The rebuke he gave the Pharisees:

Luke 11:39-41 Then the Lord said to him, “Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. ⁴⁰ You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? ⁴¹ But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor, and everything will be clean for you. (Emphasis Mine)

In both of those instances to different audiences Jesus call’s them to social action to take care of those in need.   He did not say, give to the Government and expect the Government to take care of the poor.  He did not say, vote for this person because they believe what you believe.  No, Jesus told them what it meant to live a life according to His example.  An example of action, not expectation…

We can want society to change, but our Hope for that change is in Christ Jesus.   Him working through us for His will, can affect the cause of the situation.  It is only Him that will bring about the new creation of a society according to His will, and that is where our Hope is placed.

So can we expect anything man does to change society to the morals and social justice we expect as followers of Christ?  No, not by the work of human hands.  Only by Jesus’ nail scarred hands.

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I believe there is more to tackle here, and I could write for days I am sure.  So stay tuned… Thanks to Swanny for posing the question.

Filed under: God's View, regular, Affect, Christ, Expectation, Society, Spritual