We live in a time where many things vie for our attention. Social media, 24/7 news, clickbait headlines, ads everywhere we see, and people quick to jump to conclusions, all combine to attack our vision, our ears, and our attention.
Everyone is passionate about a cause, a reason to address the crowd on behalf of a political position or victims, and more.
But what about Christians? In all the noise of our culture, noise which seems to increase daily, what should we focus on and care about?
No person can give all their attention to every issue and cause. Fortunately, the Bible gives us important guidelines about what should dominate our thinking and what issues should be a part of our discussions. These important issues are worthy of our attention.
We should give liberty and a margin for people to be passionate about individual causes and passions. But there are some issues Christians should have a unified voice on.
Here are five issues all Christians should care about.
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1. The Nation of Israel
With recent conflicts and violence between Israel and Gaza, this issue has been highlighted once again.
Even without the recent terrorism and death in the region, Christians should care about what happens in and to Israel.
The land of Israel holds immense biblical significance, considered the Holy Land where events of the Old and New Testaments took place. The major figures of Scripture lived and died there, from Abraham to Jesus.
Christianity is rooted in Judaism, a definite connection that requires us to understand the historical and spiritual context of the Old Testament to see the fulfilled promise of the New.
Importantly, God has promised that the nation of Israel will return to him and to Jesus, the Messiah promised in the Old Testament.
This return will be connected to the last days and the return of Christ, full of language about a revitalization of the city of Jerusalem. As a people, God still has a specific plan for the Jews.
Further, Israel is the only democratic nation of religious freedom in the middle of a region of oppressive religious regimes. The freedom of Israel is for all people of all faiths.
Unfortunately, many Arab leaders in the area disagree with this sentiment and seek the complete destruction of all Jews. We should stand for Israel for freedom, peace, and prosperity of the whole region, which benefits all people, not just one group.
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2. Justice for the Poor and Oppressed
Caring about justice for the poor and oppressed is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the Old Testament prophets.
Numerous verses emphasize the importance of caring for the poor and oppressed. For instance, Proverbs 14:31 states, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
Jesus himself declared in Matthew 25:40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
As Christians, we follow Jesus and use him as the model. Jesus’ ministry was characterized by compassion and care for the marginalized. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and reached out to the outcasts of society.
Jesus taught that loving God and our neighbor is interconnected, and this also hearkens back to the prophetic writings like Jeremiah and Isaiah.
Our care for the poor and oppressed isn’t only for other Christians but for all people. We know every human is made in the image of God, and this recognition of the divine in every individual underscores the inherent worth and dignity of each person, irrespective of their socio-economic status. Seeking justice for the poor and oppressed acknowledges this fundamental truth.
Therefore, James 2:14-17 underscores that faith without deeds is dead. Christians must not only profess their faith but also demonstrate it through actions, including advocating for justice for the poor and oppressed.
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3. Missions and Evangelism
Missions and evangelism are integral to following Jesus, notably in the Great Commission given by Jesus to his disciples in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
This is a direct command from Jesus himself, first to the apostles but written for us, as well, as a guide for the importance of sharing the gospel.
Evangelism is the means through which people can hear the message of salvation from death and hell through a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. If we love people, just like with caring for the poor and oppressed, we should share the only way to avoid eternal punishment and experience eternal hope and life.
Adam and Eve were meant to spread God’s loving order throughout the earth, and through missions and evangelism, we return to a similar but more epic purpose.
We are born again from the Spirit, and then Christians play a role in expanding God’s kingdom on Earth. We participate in God’s redemptive plan for humanity.
A key element is to make disciples, which Jesus defines as teaching people to obey what Jesus taught us, teachings passed down through the Scripture and apostolic writings of the first century. This is more than conversion to a different religious title but a full change of heart and way of life.
Through the Gospel of the Kingdom, we bring hope and peace to others.
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4. Unity of the Church
In John 17:21-23, Jesus prays for the unity of his followers, saying, “That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
Jesus' desire for unity among his disciples is clear, as it reflects the unity between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We reveal who we belong to through our supernatural, spiritual unity.
This unity isn’t simply a feeling but is based on teaching truth. In Ephesians 4:3, Paul urges believers to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Unity is essential to safeguard the Church against false teachings and divisions. An example of this doctrinal unity in the essentials is the Nicene Creed, Christians affirm their common faith and confession.
While we unify in the essentials, the Bible recognizes the diversity within the Church in terms of spiritual gifts, ministries, and roles (1 Corinthians 12).
However, this diversity should be united by the common purpose of edifying the Church and spreading the gospel. Unity in diversity is a biblical principle, not something the world or humanism came up with.
This unity is only possible through love and forgiveness. We will sin and err and need reconciliation. Practicing this fruit of the Spirit enables us to be unified in humility and love.
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5. Moral and Ethical Behavior
Maintaining a strong moral and ethical witness is not only a reflection of a genuine Christian faith but also a vital aspect of fulfilling their divine calling.
In both the Old and New Testaments, Christians are exhorted to be holy because God is holy (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16). Holiness encompasses moral and ethical purity and being set apart from the ways of the world, living in a way which reflects the character of God.
First, this is a witness to the world, as Jesus says in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Second, it proves we have the Spirit within us, as highlighted with the list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. A strong moral and ethical testimony provides a powerful witness to non-believers, drawing them to God through a Christ-like life.
This righteous life isn’t based on our work or our strength. The Bible calls those the works of the flesh, and those that lead to death.
Righteous Christian living is a discipline of resting in the power and life of the Spirit, dying to self, and trusting God and his leadership. Our obedience is therefore not legalism but a natural and organic outgrowth of who God is, not us. Thus, it’s called fruit.
Living a moral life both glorifies God (1 Corinthians 10:31) but also maintains good stewardship of the gospel (1 Corinthians 6:20). We preach the gospel with our actions as much as with our words.
These are broad issues to be concerned with, and we can find important ways to get involved in specific ways within each.
Whether it’s praying for Israel, getting involved in feeding the hungry, giving to a missionary overseas, working for peace with people in our own churches reaching out to members of different doctrines and denominations, or perhaps being committed to an accountability group to make sure we live a holy life, we have a myriad of ways to participate in these five major issues for Christians.
Pray how God would have you be involved and encourage others, bringing them along with you.
Peace.
For further reading:
Why Should Christians Seek Justice Instead of Revenge?
7 Sneaky Idols Destroying the Church Today
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Originally published Thursday, 09 November 2023.
