What do we do with the tension of holding beliefs that the world finds offensive? Here are two common ways:
1. We can evade it by ignoring or adapting the truths of Scripture to fit in with the world.
2. Or we can fuel it by highlighting those truths and taking a bold, confrontational stance towards the world.
The first approach is often adopted by liberal Christians who seek to embrace love. But when truth is compromised, so is love, which requires speaking the truth. (Eph. 4:15)
The second is adopted by conservative Christians who seek to fight fearlessly for truth. But if love is abandoned, so is the truth, which commands us to bless those who oppose us. (Mt. 5:44, Ro. 12:14, 1 Pe. 3:9)
It’s easy to move to the polar opposites of left or right in today’s climate.
But there is another way – using careful discernment to distinguish not between left or right, but between what is earthly and what is from above.
When our loyalty is not to a political or cultural movement, but to the kingdom of heaven, Vintage Faith Church will uncompromisingly and unapologetically preach the whole word of God. We will speak of the wrath of God. We will teach biblical sexual ethics and honor God’s design. We will oppose efforts to impose earthly values on our society or silence the voice of orthodox Christianity.
And we will love our neighbors with the love that we received from Jesus when we were sinners – a radical, sacrificial love that is ready to die for others. With patience and respect we will take the time to explain the truth to individuals who are conditioned against it by ungodly systems. We will oppose the earthly character of pride, arrogance, and unjust powers.
When I think about it like this, It seems simple to me.
We will speak the truth unapologetically while loving sacrificially. And we will happily leave the results to God.
Tom Brown is the planting pastor of Vintage Faith Church in Wichita. Tom and his wife, Mandy, have worked together in ministry for over 20 years and have four children. More about Pastor Tom Brown