People say that Christianity has become irrelevant. That it’s an outdated list of ideas and philosophies that no longer apply in today’s world. Christianity seems to be an easy target these days. Yes, it’s true; we’ve not always handled our influence well. And that’s definitely something for us to ponder and bring before the Lord. Our Kingdom influence matters.
Jesus warned us that people will hate us because they hated Him. But it’s another thing to be rejected because we’re obnoxious or angry or reactionary. Lord, transform our hearts so that we may reflect Your heart. Help us to walk this journey in a humble, loving, sacrificial way.
But what might life look like if Christians didn’t exist? No churches; no Christian radio stations; no youth groups; no missionaries. How different would the world be?
Historically, while much of culture disregarded the poor, Christians tended to them. While much of culture turned its backs on widows and orphans, Christians took them in. While slavery was largely the cultural norm, it was Christians who led the charge to abolish slavery. It was Christian missionaries who moved into poverty-stricken villages to minister to the communities. It was Christians who started hospitals and schools, and orphanages. Why? Because Jesus called us to love the hurting and the broken and to tend to those the world most often ignores.
Imagine our world today with zero Christian influence. Some may cheer at the thought of it, but what would it really be like? No more Christian orphanages. Millions of dollars of charitable giving suddenly come to a jarring halt. The majority of global relief organizations suddenly absent. Ministries that advocate for the unborn, are suddenly no more. No more youth groups gathering together to help young teens sort through the stresses they face. No more worship music over the airwaves. No more talk radio to disciple people in their faith. No more Bibles, churches; no more Holy Spirit. No more conviction of sin.
Recently on Susie Larson Live, I spoke with New Testament Bible scholar Dr. Jeremiah Johnston about his book, “Unimaginable: What Our World Would Be Like Without Christianity.” In it, he writes:
It’s a slippery slope when God is sidelined, and Christianity is marginalized, evil reigns. Unfortunately, cultural forces are now moving in such a way that we may be doomed to see history repeat itself if we do not wake up. And, as the saying goes, ‘Each time history repeats itself, we pay a higher price.’”
We know our world needs Jesus. We know He is alive in us! It’s not time to shrink back in fear. It’s time to step out in faith and trust God to do in and through you what you could never accomplish on your own. Ask Him to show you His heart for the world. Ask Him to light the way for your feet. Then simply do the next thing He asks of you. He’s coming soon. May He find us full of faith, living expectantly for His return.
“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”