How then shall we live as Followers of Jesus?

“Evangelicals feel alienated and anxious” is the title of an article published by the Associated Press as part of their “Divided America” series.

The author speaks about how “deeply religious, evangelical, conservative Christians feel that their most deeply held beliefs are increasingly under siege. She suggests that the 1960’s ban on prayer in public schools is still and open wound. Legal challenges to public displays of Nativity scenes, the Ten Commandments, the Cross, or prayer at graduation ceremonies are other examples. Conservative views of marriage and the sanctity of life are no longer tolerated but ridiculed.

One Pastor quoted went so far as to say: “There is nobody hated more in this nation than Christians.” “Welcome to America’s most wanted: You.”

What are followers of Jesus to do in light of all these changes and challenges?

Remember the Beginning

The movement begun by Jesus was one of complete outsiders. Those who followed Jesus were often found at the margins of society, the poor, the sick, the demon-possessed, the crooked. They had little or no social standing until Jesus reminded them of their dignity as humans made in the image of God, called them to repentance and trained them to live life as redeemed and forgiven people. Even as the church grew in the times of the Apostles, Followers of Jesus were ostracized, persecuted and even killed for their faith and allegiance to Jesus Christ rather than Caesars!

Jesus said it would be so

Jesus told his first followers: “In this world you will have trouble.” In other words, when we hold to the words, characteristics and lifestyle of our Savior, we will always rub the worldly system the wrong way. Yes, there was a time where Christians enjoyed a general respect even from outsiders, but with changing times and morals it is severely diminished, if not totally gone.

Like the Israelites in the desert, we might complain about our hardships and yearn for the goodies of yesteryear. But having a pity party is not helpful, we need to acknowledge reality as it is.

What then should we do?

Simply capitulate before a changing and decaying culture?

• No, I do not think we should retreat and stick to our little circles, where we might still be accepted and appreciated.
• No, we should not be quiet in the face of injustice and immorality.

We should live counter-cultural lives, rooted in the Kingdom-of-God-values and reality which Jesus demonstrated for us. This will place us at odds with many of today’s convictions, dearly–and sometimes militantly held by those who don’t know the “with-God” life.

When we are belittled, let us love, when others are motivated by fear, let us trust the One who holds our lives. Let us live as citizens both of earth and heaven.

Not with a “poor me” attitude, but as lights that shine even brighter when everything around us gets darker.

Of course, that is only possible when we really believe God is with us, and we let him shape us, no matter what the circumstance!

Yes, we will have trouble in this world, but Jesus didn’t just state the obvious! In the same breath he encouraged his followers then and now: “I have told you these things, so you may have peace. Take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Suggested Resource: “How should we then live?” by Francis A. Schaeffer