Today and tomorrow at my school, Colorado Christian University, we are having a Symposium about Christians in the public sphere. This basically just means that a lot of speakers talk about engaging in politics and in public ideas in general.
I thought it was going to be boring at first, and it did get dull this morning after an hour and a half, but I'm glad they're forcing us to go. It's sad how many people, especially Christians, are not involved in this often nasty, warring public area of life. I am guilty of this, esp. over the last few years in college. I am ashamed to admit I do not know much about this Presidential campaign and have not been following what's happening in the world as I should be.
So I understand why Christians shy away from politics and other public ideological areas. Who wants to be called a bigot and hate-filled person? People have a negative attitude on followers of Christ today. But why should this surprise us? Christ said everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12).
Christ was not ashamed or afraid to stand up for the truth, and I think it is our duty as his servants to stand for that truth and shine his light in a way that is respectful and caring of others. People may not care about politics persay, but they probably do care about their freedoms. I
f we as believers connect to others who have different beliefs than we do and try to figure out why they believe that way instead of getting angry at them, we will earn more respect in the public sphere. If Christians back away from these hot topics and difficult ideas, who will take our place? I want to stand confidently on the truth of God's word and listen humbly to others in this heated time for our country. I don't serve the government or myself, but the King of the Universe, and I want to live in a way that makes him look good and glorious to those around me. We are to be his salt and light in this world, and if we don't stand up, there will only be darkness left.
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