Jonathan DiStaulo

Living Right in a World Gone Wrong

Jonathan DiStaulo | Written August 2016

Christendom is over. Christianity is not. You would do well to know the difference. (read more about this from Mike McDaniel's book "ResUrgent Church") I may not be able to offer you solid quantifiable evidence to support my claim but have you seen the story-lines in the world news lately? How about the our current political scene? The very ideas that helped shape historical and modern American society and culture have been turned upside down. Andy Stanley wrote an article titled "Why 'the Bible said so' is no longer enough," which as far as attention-grabbing titles go, certainly grabbed mine. Very interesting read. Here's my rhetorical question: "Do you feel your Christian beliefs and values are still welcomed at the local public school meetings, or town hall hearings?" If not, then I think you understand what this article is about. It might also be helpful to be reminded of what Jesus said "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake." (Matt 5:10 ESV)

Let me suggest a harmless experiment; chat with your neighbor (or co-worker) about a church event, like a service or meeting, and see if they actually understand what you're talking about. Here's the catch, your neighbor or co-worker has to be under the age of 35. Is the Christendom vs. Christianity reality becoming even more clear to you now?

Perhaps this is a good thing. Being marginalized for your faith in Christ is precisely the kind of experience the New Testament church thrived in.

So how does one live right, or righteously, in a world that is increasingly hostile towards the Gospel? A passage from Colossians comes to mind: "So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing." Col 3:12-15 MSG

Notice the absence of phrases like, "Stand up for yourself!" and "Don't let others take advantage of you!" in this passage. Reread it if need be. It may be helpful to share some insight from the world of business law to further flesh out what this passage is going on about. In business law we learn that contracts are for the protecting of individual rights. When two parties enter into an agreement of some kind each party protects themselves against loss or suits, should the agreement dissolve somehow. Some Christians (most likely nominal ones) live their life, or interact with the world around them, as though they have entered into a contract. The Scripture teaches us something very different. God chooses to enter into a covenant with us, and covenants are for the surrendering of individual rights. Contracts protect rights, covenants surrender rights. Contracts vs. Covenants. Kind of like Christendom vs. Christianity don't you think? Christians have entered into a divine covenant initiated by God. He alone has the right to demand perfection, righteous living, sinlessness, but He doesn't. He gives up that right for love. He sent His Son to pay the price for such a covenant to remain intact for eternity.

So when you step outside your door and into this topsy turvy world, put on the garments God made for you: compassion, kindness, humility,....you may not see the results you want but your job is to obey. The battle doesn't need to be fought the battle has already been won. Give God's Word more "room" in your house. When you live out the Gospel you are more likely to be reminded of your covenant with God, His forgiveness of your sin, rather then what's wrong with your unruly neighbor, or anti-faith co-worker.