OPINION:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16
In today’s world, where society is continuously confronted with new difficulties and changes, Christians must see the value of dealing with contemporary issues. As Christians, we are responsible for bringing the light of our faith into all aspects of our lives, including the state of our country.
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Let’s be honest, the world is not just surrounded by darkness; it is darkness. And what’s worse is that many of the world’s inhabitants love this darkness (John 3:19). Christians are called to be the light of the world and it is incumbent upon us to allow this light to shine before all men, including within our communities. That’s why it is so critical for pastors to become more vocal about our country’s current concerns and understand the practical strategies for doing so.
THE ROLE OF CHRISTIANITY WITHIN AMERICA
Since its founding, Christianity has played an essential role in molding the United States of America. The Founding Fathers based the structure of this nation on Christian ideals and principles, emphasizing virtues such as liberty, justice, and equality.
However, the number of people identifying as Christians in America today has declined, and the impact of Christianity in public debate has waned, which endangers the ideals and concepts that serve as the cornerstone of our society. In fact, it seems as though the governments at hand are doing everything they can to limit the speech of Christians by declaring that our speech against sin is a hate crime.
Why is that? It goes back to what Christ said in John 3:19 – because men love darkness rather than light.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PASTORAL ENGAGEMENT
As a pastor, there are three focal points on my heart that I believe are critical for all pastors to engage in. Let’s look at each of them.
1. Upholding biblical values. Pastors must defend and promote biblical values and teachings. Our faith should not be limited to the confines of the church but rather pervade all aspects of society. Pastors can help their congregations and communities connect their actions and decisions to biblical values by engaging with current challenges.
2. Providing clarity and guidance. People look to their spiritual leaders for advice and clarity during turmoil and uncertainty. Pastors have a unique opportunity to address concerns and inquiries about current events from a biblical perspective. Pastors can also assist people in navigating challenging situations by providing insights and wisdom anchored in God’s Word so that they can make informed decisions.
3. Shaping public discourse. The direction of a nation is greatly influenced by public debate. Pastors can contribute to the narrative and offer a Christian perspective by actively participating in discussions on contemporary topics. This can offset secular notions and guarantee that biblical principles are expressed publicly.
Now let’s look at three effective ways that pastors can engage:
1. Preach on relevant topics. Preaching is one of the most direct methods for pastors to connect with current issues. Pastors can address the concerns of their congregations and provide biblical insight by ministering on relevant themes and incorporating them into their sermons. Pastors can use this strategy to educate themselves and their flocks on what is happening within their communities and across the country and encourage their congregants to live out their faith in the face of societal difficulties.
2. Be an effective example of Christ. The mission of every pastor is to provide the light of Christ to the world around them. With so much turmoil plaguing our pulpits today, we need godly men and women who will declare the righteousness of Christ and live it for all to see, both in public and in private. Your light will shine brighter than ever by living a holy life unto God, influencing more people than you can imagine. A small amount of light can significantly impact a darkened environment, and when your light shines before people, they cannot ignore it. Some will revile and persecute, but others will be captivated by your lifestyle.
3. Collaborate with other churches and organizations. Collaboration is essential for making a more prominent effect, and pastors can make a tremendous impact within their communities by collaborating with other like-minded churches and organizations that share similar values and concerns. This can magnify their voices and address contemporary concerns more effectively by merging their resources, knowledge, and influence.
WE ARE SALT AND LIGHT
As Christ’s ambassadors, we are called to be the salt and light of the world. But we need to understand that Christianity is not an “enlightenment,” and believers don’t become enlightened. The fact is that Christians are light. We walk in light. We live our lives in light—the light of Christ. In the book of Matthew, we read Christ’s great Sermon on the Mount, which I believe is the greatest teaching in existence and probably the most misunderstood and the least obeyed teaching in history. In that sermon, He told the disciples and those listening, “You are the light of the world.” We need to start walking in that light and acting as if we are in light because we are the light. We are a reflection of Jesus Christ.
Engaging in current events is crucial for pastors and all Christians. Pastors must play an important role in molding the course of our country by actively participating in conversations, addressing concerns, and providing biblical advice. Let us accept this challenge of engaging in current events and being the voice of hope, truth, and love within our communities and beyond.
Let us follow the example of our Captain, Jesus Christ, who brought spiritual light into this world. Seeing that He is the light, and we are reflectors of this light, let us pray that our Lord places us in positions to allow our light to shine more effectively. As God does the positioning, let us shine wherever we are, for His light in us will significantly impact the darkness surrounding our communities.
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Gabriel Swaggart is a fifth-generation minister of the Gospel and is currently the Co-Pastor of Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge, LA, and President of Jimmy Swaggart Bible College. He and his wife, Jill, reside in Baton Rouge and have four beautiful daughters.
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