Living in Occupied Territory
Much has been said and argued about living the Christian life in a post-Christian culture. How far into the culture does a believer go without compromising his or her beliefs? Engaging the culture is a somewhat messy business, and in my conversations on programs like CNN's Paula Zahn, or MSNBC's Scarborough Country, it can get downright contentious. Sadly, some of my worst experiences are debates and discussions with other believers. But this month's essay by Andy Crouch for the "Christian Vision Project" says it brilliantly. As we live like Daniel did in Babylon, what is important to keep, and what areas can we give up? The Amish created a somewhat arbitrary line in the sand that keeps them living perpetually in the 1800's, and the Mormons take a similar route with their theology. But what has Christ really called us to? If you're in the trenches of the culture war, take the time to read this article, and let me know what you think.
I think I have just found the makings of my personal mission statement thanks to one the latter paragraph's in Andy's essay. He says: "When our neighbors, poor and powerful alike, know that our loyalties are to a different and better kingdom; when they see that we are distinct, strangely untouched by the habits of our culture, yet well informed of its highest and best history as well as its deepest flaws and fallenness; then, perhaps, they will welcome us as partners in creating a culture whose prosperity, by God's mercy, may continue a while longer." If that isn't a challenge...I don't know what is. WOW. How I wish this were posted on the walls of anyone/everyone with a Christian media influence. I wonder what effect it would have on how we operate...both professionally and personally?I do believe he's written a POWERFUL sermon in one longer than average sentence.
When I read Andy Crouch's words I was reminded of the verse "do not be conformed to this world but transformed..." Too often, believers are out-of-balance with this one. We are on this earth and unless we are educated in what surrounds us, we cannot fulfill the verse that follows Romans 12:2. To not have an exaggerated opinion of our own importance, we must be currently and historically, as well as bibically informed. This takes work. This takes listening. Then we can rate our ability with sober judgement.
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