Holy Worldliness.. the way to reach this generation for Christ.
Last night I was thumbing through some magazines and noticed a phrase that caught my attention. The phrase is "Holy Worldliness." It describes, I think, the proper approach for the Christian in today's world.
The world that we live in has been described as "post-Christian." That means, the values of the world have changed and no longer are Christians in the majority.
We live in a world where church attendance is low.
We live in a day where human life is not held as sacred as it once was.
We live in a day where sexual immorality is rampant.
We live in a day that is very materialistic.
We live in a day where it's not un-heard at all to hear someone drop "the f bomb" in public.
Ok, enough of that.. and I could add others.. but, you get the idea. Simply put; it's tough out there. So, the world is very sexual, highly self-centered and human life means nothing to many. Into that world we Christians go every day... guided by our Christian values.
Our Christian values tell us to only say good things.
Our Christian values tell us to save sex for marriage.
Our Christian values tell us to give as opposed to take.
Our Christian values tell us that every life is special.. handicapped or not..inconvenient or not.
So, how does the Christian live in the world I described above? Simply put; it's tough. In fact, I would say very tough.
Some Christians, withdraw from the world. They just kind of live in their Christian bubble. I understand the strategy but, how can you impact the world if you withdraw from it? Answer? You can't.
Some Christians stay in the world and become judgmental. All they do is find fault with their non-Christian work colleagues but at the same time, they gossip and criticize everything in their church. So, what's worse? The lifestyle of the non-Christian or the gossip and criticism of the Christian? To quote "Radio" from the movie "Radio;" "Both coach."
The right way, to approach the world is "holy worldliness." That means you live in the world but you hold firm to your Christian values.
Recently I was around some guys who.. let's say had less than good mouths. I mean, it was "f" this and "f" this and "f" this. Yes, I was a little uncomfortable. You might say "You should have something." Maybe I should have but I didn't. I didn't because I don't want people to act any different when I'm around.. Maybe I'm wrong for that. I want to show people that I will accept them as they are.. just like I think Jesus would. Then, at the appropriate time, I try to share Christ with them.
I'm trying to be "holy worldly." I think it's what we have to do as Christians if we are going to reach this world. Jesus told us to be "...the salt of the earth and the light of the world." It's the same as being "holy worldly."
If we are going to reach this generation, we have to be in the world but not act like the world. We have to be "holy worldly."
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