Christian Resistance
James 4:4 says, "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."
Christians are called to live a pleasing life to God and not conform to the world's ways. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
In his book "Resistance: A Biblical Anthology," James Spencer explores how Christians resist the temptation to conform to the world's ways and follow Christ. He uses examples from the Bible of individuals who stood firm in their faith in the face of persecution and pressure to conform.
One example is Daniel, who refused to bow down to the king's statue and continued praying to God despite the consequences. Daniel 3:16-18 says, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.'"
As Christians, we are called to have a similar resolve and determination to follow Christ, even when it means going against the norms and values of the world. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist conformity and to pursue God's will for our lives.
From a biblical worldview, Christians resist the notion that Jesus came to overthrow the government because this belief is rooted in a misunderstanding of Jesus' mission. Scripture tells us that Jesus came to save sinners and reconcile humanity to God, not to establish a political kingdom or overthrow earthly rulers.
One verse that supports this perspective is John 18:36, where Jesus says, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then my servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, my kingdom is not of this realm."
Another verse that speaks to the nature of Jesus' mission is Luke 19:10, which says, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." This verse emphasizes Jesus' compassionate and redemptive mission, which is focused on individual salvation rather than political power.
As Christians living in the current cultural climate, we are called to live as salt and light in the world, embodying Christ's love and word through our actions and attitudes (Matthew 5:13-16). This includes resisting the temptation to put our hope in earthly kingdoms and leaders and instead keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2) and our eternal hope in him.
Comments