Society – Living as a Christian in Today's Community

All citizens, as they are able, should be contributing to the good of their community. As Christians we are called to be advertisements for God in society – living with integrity, engaging with the world around us, and holding to the Bible's pattern even when culture pulls in another direction.

Contributing to the Common Good

Society is an organised community of people living together under shared laws, customs and institutions, whose collective beliefs and behaviour shape the way each member lives. Within it, culture – the shared beliefs, values, customs and way of life of a group of people, passed from generation to generation – shapes the thinking of the general public, the ordinary members of the community as a whole, rather than any particular group or organisation. In that context, as Christians we should be advertisements for God in society by living lives of integrity, not meddling in the affairs of others or spreading gossip (1 Thes 4:11-12). We should also be catalysts for beneficial social change, especially in relation to moral issues. Like the Good Samaritan, Jesus would say to us, “Go and do likewise” – when you see a need, meet it (Lk 10:25-37).

Everyone contributing for the overall good

We need to be abreast of the news and aware of social trends so we can converse in a knowledgeable way as to what is happening in the world in general. This is especially important for parents of teenagers so they can communicate relevantly with them and guide them in the ways of righteousness. We should speak and act in ways that are acceptable and appropriate to society provided they don’t detract from being a living witness for Christ or disobey Scripture.

Exercising Freedom without Causing Stumbling

We can participate in anything inside God’s guidelines provided it doesn’t dominate our life or convey doubtful messages or influences to those watching on (1 Cor 6:12-13). Paul said, be careful in exercising your freedom in Christ so you don’t become a stumbling-block to others and be the reason they reject Christ or fall away (Rom 14:13,20-21; 1 Cor 8:9-13).

Be mindful of the people around you

Occasionally, such as in business deals, there are ethical considerations, where we must take a stand based on personal convictions if participation in them would contravene Biblical standards, because we are not to violate our Spirit-directed conscience (Rom 14:22-23).

Society without God

Society that doesn’t follow God’s pattern, as established in the Bible, does not function as well. Consider the mayhem created when the Ten Commandments are flouted, for righteousness is beneficial, but sin is a disgrace (Ex 20:2-17; Prov 14:34). Sin like yeast has permeated society and even though we are in the world, we should not come under its influence and be squeezed into its mold by embracing its values (Rom 12:2; Tit 2:11-12; 1 Pet 1:14; 1 Jn 2:16). Although we are given free wills to make choices there will be consequences. As believers we must at all times live with integrity displaying the fruit of the Spirit, the characteristics of the Kingdom we represent (Gal 5:22-23).

Society without God is doomed

Civilisation has rules that are designed for the wellbeing of all citizens and the smooth running of its affairs; however, humanity has inherited the rebellious nature from Adam and Eve and often flouts such laws. We are obligated to obey the authority’s laws unless they violate the commands of God (Heb 13:17). We then must choose which master to serve and accept the consequences from the other (Josh 24:15).

Increasingly today there are undesirable traits emerging in society such as:

a self-centred focus – how does it affect me rather than looking out for the good of others;
instant gratification, a ‘must have now’ mentality – like sex before marriage;
a disposable mentality, get rid of anything not immediately useful, or not being prepared to investigate what is wrong with a view to fixing it – a parallel to divorce;
buy now, pay later, ignoring responsible decision making – there is always a day of reckoning;
living for the present – little thought given to the next life.

These, and others, result from selfish, short-sighted rebellion against the proper ordering of society which God purposed [The Ten Commandments] and Jesus taught [The Sermon on the Mount]. Jesus acknowledged this when He said His followers are ‘in the world but not of it’ (Jn 17:14,16). While we currently reside on earth, we are to live out the values of God’s Kingdom by being the salt and light (Mt 5:13-16), which counteract the darkness and decay of society – we are not meant to be hermits. As Christ followers we should mix with, participate in and support the worthwhile endeavours of the world around us – working alongside others, being good neighbours, joining in community life, and encouraging whatever is honest, just and of good report. Jesus Himself was criticised for eating with tax collectors and sinners, yet He replied that it is the sick who need a physician (Mk 2:15-17). Most of our regular interactions with the unsaved are quite neutral, as they do not involve any approval or support from us regarding their lifestyle, even though we hold differing core values. We can still engage with them. However, engagement is not the same as endorsement: there are boundaries we are not to cross. We must never participate in, or silently condone, what clearly violates God's commands, allow unbelievers' values to reshape our own convictions, or form close partnerships that would pull us away from wholehearted obedience to Christ (Ps 1:1; 2 Cor 6:14-17). Light mingles with darkness in order to dispel it – it never becomes darkness itself.

In Western nations, the Bible’s influence has made a significant impact on many aspects of society in general, and especially the transformation of individuals within those societies who embrace its teachings. While any society is free to choose its own code of ethics and rules of governance, it is not free to choose the consequences that come when the divine pattern is disregarded in favour of a liberal ungodly worldview.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord – Psalm 33:12

Do not let society’s gradual conditioning wear down your moral values. Ungodly values are seldom imposed all at once; they are slowly introduced and normalised, until compromise comes to seem reasonable and even acceptable. Remain true to the commands and principles of the Bible. ‘Do not let the world squeeze you into its mould’ (Rom 12:2).

Reflection and Application:

Meet a practical need this week instead of walking past it.
Stay informed on news and social trends so you can converse relevantly.
Exercise your freedom in Christ without becoming a stumbling-block to others.
Weigh each cultural trend against the Bible’s pattern before embracing it.