There have been times when Christians have argued that the church needs to embrace and possibly conform to the culture around us. Certainly, there are things from the broader culture that Christians can adopt without sinning. Certain fashion styles, the use of computers, and other technologies, for example, may be perfectly acceptable. However, the reality is that the church and individual Christians are called to be countercultural. We are not to conform to the ways of this world.
The Scriptures are clear: Israel was to be different from the nations
surrounding them (Deuteronomy 4:15–31), and the same principle applies to the
church.
Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed
to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing
you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and
perfect (ESV).
1 John 2:15–17 Do not love the
world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the
Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and
the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from
the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever
does the will of God abides forever (ESV).
While we are called to be different, holy, and set apart, this does not mean
that we are to isolate ourselves from the world. Although there are certain
culturally acceptable practices in which Christians cannot participate because
they conflict with God's commands, this does not mean that we should withdraw
from the public square or refuse to interact with non-Christians.
The opposite is true. We are called to live and move among the people of
this world. As we do, we are to call people out of darkness and into the light
of Christ (Matthew 4:16; John 8:12). As we go, we are to make disciples of all
nations by baptizing them in the name of the one true and triune God (Father,
Son, and Holy Spirit) and teaching them to obey all that Christ commanded
(Matthew 28:18–20).
One way we evangelize is by refusing to participate in worldly practices
that violate God's commands. When people ask us why we choose not to
participate, we have an opportunity to tell them about a better way, a
healthier way, and the way that leads to eternal life. We tell them about Jesus!
