Every day it seems like the culture wars draw up new battle lines. The only way to survive the culture war (we are told) is pick a side, put on the armor of political alliances, and pick up the weapon of social media to advance the cause. It's way too easy to get discouraged by these battles because the line between right and wrong keeps shifting and our alliances keep changing. But, for the Christian, the battle lines are clear and our alliance is unbreakable. In Ephesians 6:10–13 we are encouraged with these words,
Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
In a constitutional republic like the United States, we are blessed with the right to vote our conscience. It’s good to participate in the system. But we should never forget that the battle is not against our neighbors, our families or our friends. Our enemy is not the Democrats or the Republicans. For the Christian, our battle is against the spiritual forces that keep us from serving God. Our enemy is the spiritual powers that seek to divide us and keep us from sharing the love of Jesus Christ. There is no need to make enemies of the people who have different political or religious views — that is not our battle. Don’t let the world direct your passion to fight. Stay passionate for justice but let the Spirit of God choose your battles.
Live your passion with a purpose.
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Approved by the Assistant Professor of Christian Worldview for the College of Theology on Nov. 2, 2022.