How to survive a cultural crisis

Public opinion on same-sex marriage, as well as the country's laws, appear to be changing. Of course, this change is only part of a larger picture. Americans' views on family, love, sexuality in general, tolerance, God, and much more seem to be moving in directions that put Bible-believing Christians on the defensive.

It's easy to feel like the new "moral criminals," as Al Mohler put it.

«"The advocacy of historic Christian principles can increasingly lead to social problems, and perhaps economic consequences, and one day even criminal liability. It is ironic that Christians are told not to impose their views on others, while the threat of losing their jobs or other punishments looms over them for not complying with new social norms.".

In all of this, Christians are often tempted to panic or speak like those who are overcome with anxiety. However, the more we do this, the more we demonstrate that we have embraced an unbiblical and nominal form of Christianity.

So, here are seven principles that will help you survive the real cultural shifts we face today.

1. Remember that churches exist to effect supernatural change.

The entire Christian faith is based on the idea that God takes people who are spiritually dead and gives them new life. Every time we evangelize, we evangelize a cemetery.

There has never been a time or a culture where it was natural to repent of one's sins. Such a culture does not exist, has not existed, and never will exist. Christians, churches, and pastors, especially, must be deeply aware that we are always engaged in work that is supernatural.

From this perspective, recent cultural changes have made our job zero percent harder.

2. Understand that harassment is the norm.

In recent months I have been preaching on the Gospel of John, and many people have thanked me for bringing up the subject of persecution. But I am not sure that my preaching has changed; rather, people’s ears have changed. Recent events in the public arena have caused many to be anxious about what the future holds for Christians. However, if you go back and listen to my earlier sermons—say, the series on 1 Peter that I read in the 1990s—you will see that ordinary biblical exegesis constantly brings up the subject of persecution.

Persecution is something that Christians face in this sinful world. It is something that Jesus promised us (e.g., John 16).

It may happen that in God's providence some Christians find themselves in circumstances where, even though they have dedicated their lives to doing the will of Jesus, they do not encounter insults and persecution. But do not be deceived by the beautiful buildings in which so many churches meet. The Jesus we follow was executed as a state criminal.

A fellow pastor recently observed that in the history of Christian persecution, it has often been secondary issues, not the gospel, that have caused the persecution. Persecutors don’t say, «You believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ; I’m going to persecute you now.» Rather, some belief or practice that we hold as Christians is at odds with what people want or threatens their worldview. And so they turn against us.

Again, the more we react to changes in our culture with panic or anxiety, the more we contradict the biblical teaching of normal Christian discipleship. This shows that we have traded Christian normality for nominalism.

Pastors, especially, must lead by example, teaching their congregations not to play the victim. We must emphasize in our regular preaching and prayers the normality of persecution. It is the responsibility of the leader to prepare churches for how we can follow Jesus, even if it means social criticism, loss of privilege, financial penalties, or criminal prosecution.

3. Avoid utopianism.

Christians should be people of love and justice, which means we should always strive to make our corner of the world a little better than the one we found it in, whether it be a kindergarten or a kingdom. However, even as we work for love and justice, we must remember that we will not transform this world into the kingdom of our Christ.

God has not given us the task of making this world perfect; He has given us primarily to point to the One who will one day make it perfect, even as we spend our lives in love and good works. If you are tempted to utopianism, note that Scripture does not permit it, and the history of utopianism has a track record of distracting and misleading even some of the most ardent followers of Christ.

It is normal to feel sad about the increasing acceptance of sin in our day. But one reason many Christians in America feel disillusioned by the current cultural changes is that we have been somewhat utopian in our expectations. Again, the more you think and speak as an anxious observer, the more you demonstrate that utopian assumptions may have always guided you.

4. Use our democratic governance.

I would be saddened if anyone were to conclude from my comments that it doesn’t matter what Christians do publicly or in the state. Paul calls us to submit to the state. But in our democratic context, part of submitting to the state is sharing in its power. And if we have a share in that power, we may also have a share in its tyranny. To neglect the democratic process while it is in our hands is to neglect a stewardship.

We cannot create a utopia, but that does not mean we cannot be good stewards of what we have, or that we cannot use democratic processes to bless others. For the sake of love and justice, we must use our democratic governance.

5. Trust in the Lord in all life circumstances.

There is no circumstance that prevents Christians from trusting God. Jesus trusted the Father completely as he went to the cross:

«looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith: who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God» (Heb. 12:2).

Nothing we face compares to what our King had to endure.

We can trust Him. He will prove His reliability in all that we have to endure. And by trusting in Him, we will testify to God’s goodness and power, bringing Him glory.

6. Remember that everything we have is the grace of God.

We must remember that everything we receive and that happens in our lives is less and far better than the eternity in hell from which we have been saved; and this is the basis for Christian joy. All a Christian has is grace. We need to maintain this perspective so that we are not tempted to be too negative about our employers, friends, family members, and government, even when they oppose us.

How did Paul manage to sing in prison? He knew he was forgiven. He knew of the glory that awaited him. He recognized and appreciated these higher realities.

7. Find peace in the certainty of Christ's victory.

The gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church of Jesus Christ. We need not fear and tremble, as if Satan had finally, after all these millennia, gained the upper hand in his opposition to God by lobbying for same-sex marriage.

«Oh, we might finally lose!» — No, no chance.

People all over the world and throughout history have suffered far more than Christians in America today. And we don't assume that Satan had the upper hand there, do we?

Every nation and age has its own unique way of expressing corruption and attacking God. But none of them will be able to overcome it, just as Jesus was not able to overcome it on the cross. Yes, He died, but three days later He rose again.

The kingdom of Christ is not in danger of collapse. Therefore, Christians, churches, and especially pastors, should know this deep in their hearts. The day of victory has already come. Now is the time to continue the work of faith. No person whom God has chosen for salvation will be lost because a worldly program has «won» in our time and place. We should not give in to anxiety or despair.

We may not always convince others with our arguments. They may remain indifferent to our books and articles. But we can love them with the supernatural love that God has shown us in Christ. And we can bring His Word today—with humility, confidence, and joy.