A quick glance at the news or at social media makes one thing clear: we’re living in a highly reactive culture. And to make matters worse, anything Christians say about the current state of affairs seems to offend someone, somewhere. In this kind of atmosphere, conversations can quickly turn into debates. Sharing your faith in today’s culture isn’t impossible but it is challenging. I see two common traps believers need to avoid.
Defending Our Politics
First, we’re defending our position on culture rather than sharing Jesus. That doesn’t mean we should never discuss current issues. But many professing Christians seem more passionate about their politics than about lost people. Too often, believers burn bridges by the way they express their views, especially on social media. As followers of Jesus, the convictions we voice should open doors for the gospel, not close them.
Trying to Win an Argument
Second, we’re trying to win arguments rather than win souls. There’s a difference between taking a stand for truth and hitting someone over the head with it. We should be able to have a civil dialogue with anyone. It’s not our job to prove that God is right—He will do that in His time. We’re simply called to faithfully speak the truth in love.
Our nation is divided because so many people are willing to fracture their families and communities just to be right. Even among believers, some have become so focused on debating theology that they’ve lost sight of our God-given mission. While we craft clever responses and posts, the world around us is facing eternity without Christ.
Check Your Views
Sharing your faith in today’s culture begins by making sure your convictions align with Scripture and honor God. What influences you most—the news you watch, the podcasts you follow, or the Scripture you meditate on? Take an honest look at what’s shaping your thinking. Determine to make God’s Word your true north, and ask Him to reveal where your views may be out of step with His.
Examine Your Attitudes
We also need to examine our attitudes before engaging in cultural conversations. It’s difficult to share Jesus with someone while holding on to anger or resentment toward them. The mindset of our culture says, “If you disagree with me, you’re my enemy.” That’s not fitting for ambassadors of Christ. When we see people as enemies, we lose sight of their eternal destiny.
Final Thoughts
It’s not always possible to share your faith without encountering debate. But if the only tool you have is a hammer, every issue starts to look like a nail. When our primary aim is to share the love of Jesus Christ, we’ll put down the hammer and focus on the soul of the person in front of us, even when they have an opposing viewpoint.
