How Should Christians Address Social Issues?

This world is ever changing. The people living in this world are changing with it. Sadly beliefs that were once common are now rare. Family values hardly exist in today’s culture. As Christians, our opinions and beliefs come from the Bible. A text that is never changing. We are taught to live our life’s like those who lived thousands of years before us. Which is definitely not easy in today’s culture. Causing many Christians to feel the need to stand up and fight for what they believe. So this reaises the question has should Christians address social issues?

The Simple Truth

To me the answer to that question is very simple. Lead with Jesus Christ, everything else can follow. You see one of the main reasons Christians disagree with non-christians is because they have different starting points. A non-christian does not believe in God or believe that the teachings of the Bible are true. So you could never expect them to live their life according to its pages. Christians are the exact opposite so they take the word of God as law.

This means if you want to address social issues with a non-Christian you can’t say because it is in the Bible. You must first convince them of the truth of the Bible. This sounds a lot harder then just yelling scripture at someone or marching with a sign. Which it could be, but you have to realize that your purpose is not to stand up against abortion, gay marriage, or any other thing the lost world wants to do. You purpose is to spread the truth of Jesus Christ.

What Changed You?

Where were you before you came to know God? Did you have all the same beliefs that you have know? Where you already living a life in line with what the Bible teaches? Chances are you were lost in the same way many others still are. Living a life that contradicts what you now believe. So what was it that made you change you way of thinking? I doubt it was someone trying to show you scripture that condemns your sin. Like most of us you heard of God’s love and mercy and what was done for you on calvary.

Don’t think coming to know Jesus changes lives? Well let’s take a look at a biblical example. Pauls whole life changed when he encountered Jesus on the road to damascus. He went from the Christians killer to one of the greatest Christians to ever walk this planet. All because he came to know Jesus Christ. It was not because of an argument or because some said it was biblical. Jesus changed his mindset and Jesus can still do the same for people today.

What Did Jesus Do It?

We must also look at how Jesus approached social issues. The Bible show us the Jesus always approached issues like this with grave and love. He didn’t go around yelling at the lost. Telling them they were going to hell for what they were doing. Let’s take a look at when Jesus spoke to the women caught in the act of adultery.

John 8:4-11

4 “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 The law of Moses says to stone her. What do you say?”

6 They were trying to trap him into saying something they could use against him, but Jesus stooped down and wrote in the dust with his finger. 7 They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, “All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!” 8 Then he stooped down again and wrote in the dust.

9 When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman. 10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”

11 “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.”

This would have been seen as a major social issue today, as it still should be today. But notice that Jesus take a different route. He does not condemn her action. Instead choosing to show her mercy and grace. Utility leading to him forgiving her of the sin she had committed. While Jesus did not condon her sin, He still loved her.

If this is how Jesus would have approached social issues shouldn’t we do the same? We need to realize that yelling, screaming, hating, judging, and all other evil spearted avenues are not right. Christians should love as we are loved. You will never see a change in the right direction if you only ever point out the bad.

Go Forward Sharing The Gospel

Instead of wasting your time trying to change others view of social issues. Take the time to share with them the good news of Jesus Christ. Then watch the change happen in their life. You will witness a change that can only come from God. Also remember that winning one soul to the Lord is far more valuable than changing a thousand people’s opinions.