What Should You As A Christian Do?

In many ways life today is stressful; maybe a better word would be distressful for Christians. For example, scanning magazine covers and newspaper headlines at the store brings up the distressing state of the moral climate today. [Actually, if the magazines, news headlines, movies, and TV shows still shock and distress Christians it is a good thing. It means our consciences still have some tenderness and sense of the holy left.] But back to the point: Magazines for teenage girls routinely have cover articles on sex. Things like this should be distressing because our teenagers need support in their quest to live a morally upright life. This distress and grief at what is happening around us poses a problem to the Christian. That problem is "What should you as a Christian do?"

One option which many Christians choose is to retreat and disengage from society. This might do something for you, but it does nothing for those around you. It also is not obeying Christ's instruction to be light and salt in this world. Fortunately, there are other options for you as a Christian to choose. Here are three of them.

The first choice is found in Ezekiel chapter 22: the prophet is describing the society of Judah in the days of his and Habakkuk's ministry. He paints a vivid picture of the depravity, immorality, greed, injustice and violence of that time. Actually, it sounds too much like today. Of that whole chapter, verse 30 is the most tragic, "I looked for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none." There is a huge need today for Christians who will stand in the gap and make a difference. Will you simply stand up in the gap and publicly live a godly life?

The second choice is to follow Habakkuk's example and pray. Specifically, pray for God's intervention in our society, and for a true revival. If you choose this option, be aware that God's intervention can be, and often is, quite drastic. In Habakkuk's case, it was the Babylonian invasion of Judah! I have no idea what God will do with this country.

Over the last several years, Christians have done and are doing a good thing in organizing campaigns, vigils, and movements to promote involvement in these two options.

However, I do not recall any organized energy, promotion, or even passion going into the third choice. This option is to take seriously God's command to love and pray for your enemy. As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you," {Matthew 5:44} If we are to pray for these people, should we not pray for those who we rightly or wrongly feel are on the other side of the moral and/or ethical divide from us.

In all the press and continuing furor surrounding the Episcopal church vote to elect an openly practicing homosexual as a bishop I did not and still do not find agitation in the conservative Christian press to pray that Rev. Robinson would come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Similarly, during the Clinton presidency, many conservative Christians complained and moaned over immorality and deceit in the White House, but there were few calls to pray for Mr. Clinton. The same can be said for the complaints by the more liberal Christians about their perceptions of the Bush presidency. Many other examples could be brought up looking at issues and people from the various theological and ideological viewpoints. What a difference prayer in obedience to Christ's command could have made!

I urge you to pick an individual who is caught up in a lifestyle or situation you are concerned about and pray specifically for them.

Thank God that today's issues distress you and respond in one or more of these positive ways.

Written by Rev. Daniel B. Baker November 2003



Articles by Rev. Daniel B. Baker :: Webmaster: Joseph I. Baker