What is the role of the individual Christian in society? Are we to be peacekeepers or evangelists? Are we supposed to expend our energies on justice and mercy in this world or should we focus on securing souls for redemption and a future?
Binaries are interesting things. They do exist; some things are either one thing or another without any nuance. But we live in strange times. Things that should be clearly binary (especially male and female) are called fluid, and things that are nuanced are called either right or wrong (political leanings seem to be particularly one or the other). Most of the time, things are not black and white, but rather varying shades of gray. Instead of either/or, the godly response could be both/and.
The role of Christians in society is not a system of binaries, but rather a series of both/and directives. Grace recognizes that we must both work toward peace between individuals and tell the gospel message of Jesus as the only way to reconciliation between God and humanity. (There is a binary there: either Jesus is the Messiah and the only way to God or he isn't and 2000 years of Christianity is foolishness.) Yes, we must expend our energies on addressing the evils of injustice and oppression in this world and at the same time teach others about humanity's sin and Jesus's redemption for eternity. Grace is both/and.
Jesus showed the attitude we all need to have: he was in nature God, but put aside his power and became one of us. He humbled himself by being obedient- to his parents, to his religion, and ultimately to the rule of the Law that says without blood there is no redemption from sin. In his earthly ministry, he both cared for the poor and sick, but he also challenged the weak faith of his followers and the tyranny of the religious leaders. He was tender and compassionate while also fierce in his commitment to the Law of Moses.
This is the way in which Christians can be most like Jesus: have his mind in our actions. When we work, when we speak, when we serve-- are we putting others first or are we seeking acknowledgment from others? Do we act in accordance with the grace given to us by listening to all sides of a heated discussion before getting involved? Do we take time to learn the stories about the people we see who aren't like us? How much information do we gather before forming an opinion about anything?
Jesus knew the stories of the people around him, and his actions drew in the ones who needed love and grace the most. Jesus saw the needs, yes, but he looked beyond the immediate material circumstances to the eternal prospects, which is why he so often said, "Your sins are forgiven' and "Go and sin no more." His mercy healed in the midst of injustice and his justice prevailed in an unmerciful world, even though it appeared to the Romans and the religious leaders that their evil triumphed.Â
The mind of Christ requires that we act in ways that don't make sense to most of the world. We can lead the way to justice and mercy while still calling sin what it is and teaching the eternal redemption of Jesus. Be assertive in protecting the innocent and standing for the falsely accused. Call out unrighteous behavior by fellow believers. Share meals and conversations across political, cultural, and economic differences. Be different.
Our role as believers in this culture is to put on the mind of Christ, with humility, love, unity, and grace.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himslef by becoming obedient to teh point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on hims the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and hunder the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and the work for his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:5-13