Every now and then I find myself wondering if it might not be a good idea to find a cave somewhere and move in! At least I think I understand the monastic mindset. That mindset that says, “Things are getting bad and we need to separate ourselves from the godless world that surrounds us.†But then it is a bit hard to serve as salt and light in the world when we retreat into our own ghetto. Our culture is growing more pagan with each passing day. Biblical standards are, at best ignored, but most often mocked and ridiculed. I certainly understand the temptation to withdraw into our “holy huddle†and lick our wounds but we are not afforded that luxury. We are called to “take on†our culture. We are called to “contend for the faith.†The truth of the Gospel, the message of salvation is worth fighting for. But we can contend without being contentious.
We do not have to live with a scowl. We do not have to go about our day with a chip on our shoulder and an attitude that says, “I dare you.†But we must speak the truth in love. We must stand for righteousness and morality. And we must do so because the stakes are high. The souls of men and women, boys and girls hang in the balance. If we loose the Gospel – we loose everything. We must remain ever vigilant in our guarding the precious Gospel entrusted to our care. While we individually have a duty to contend, we are to contend as one. We together as the body of Christ are to safeguard the Gospel. We must also understand part of our contending is our strengthening and encouraging one another. That’s just something to think about as move toward this coming Lord’s Day.
Rod