I proposed last week that Christianity profits
society on two broad levels: first, at the governmental level; and second, at
the societal level. We discussed the first of these points, that a Biblical
lifestyle, when adhered to among the population, promotes good government. This
week we examine the influence of biblical Christianity at the local and
national societal levels.
The Bible and Christianity promote a healthy
society in at least four ways:
Order
The Bible emphasizes an organized society wherein
each of us are responsible to government officials (Romans 13:1-7), our workplace
bosses or clients, our position within the family structure (Colossians 3:1-4:2)
and the leaders of our church (Hebrews 13:7). All of us are ultimately
responsible to God for our behavior.
Order is an important Biblical design for our
lives. Historically, the Gospel was brought forth in the Roman Empire. The
Romans, while ruthless and despotic, maintained order internally which promoted
peace and community works such as roads and a postal service. These advantages
helped with the dissemination of Christianity.
Order still is needed in today’s society to allow
for courtesies, helps and the spread of the Gospel. Such attributes exist only
with difficulty in anarchy when citizens are trying to simply survive and fend
off injustices and violence.
Doing good
The Bible tells us to do good to all men both
within the church and society generally (Galatians 6:10). Such good works might
include helping the poor, community cultural improvements, job creation and scientific
discoveries.
Personal responsibility
The Bible teaches that we are to be responsible
for our immediate family and ourselves, so we and our families do not burden society
and so provide a good example of the church to our communities. We also are to
work hard for our employers or clients for the glory of God (II Thessalonians
3:14, Colossians 3:17).
Respect for the individual
Christianity is most unusual among religions
and political philosophies in emphasizing the importance of the individual.
This stress allows us personal freedom to live by faith (Romans 14:24). Further,
it teaches us to have careful regard for one another in how we speak and act,
emphasizing a love (Greek: agape) that keeps the needs of the other person in
view, bearing one another's burdens, having compassion and kindness towards one
another (Galatians 6:2, Romans 12:9-16).
So how do these four factors help our local
communities? If each of us is responsible for ourselves and our families,
working hard for employers and clients, helping individuals and institutions in
our community, all in a loving manner, we can build a gracious and supportive atmosphere
where each of us can succeed. Further, as individuals find success and give
back to their community we will create jobs, innovative new products and
medical breakthroughs. For those who struggle within the church and community,
in an attitude of respectful helpfulness, we can assist these people so they
also may succeed.
In contrast, when individuals are dependent on the
government they may develop an expectation of largesse built upon other
people's work. Such government
dependence, not based in work, does not promote a gracious giving community, and
help improve the individual’s progression to financial independence or personal
responsibility, or bring forth institutions or discoveries that help benefit
society.
Each of us should be committed to teaching those
younger than ourselves these truths, not only to teach the Gospel but to pass on
what God’s word explains about creating a healthy, orderly, prosperous and
caring society.
Thank you for visiting my blog today. I'm
honored that you take time to read this post.
WC Stewart
@TeleiosResearch
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