Among the Nations

Introduction

I solve Rubik’s cubes (demonstrate). Then, explain that sometimes a corner can get twisted (it actually makes the cube unsolvable, when that happens). But it stands out. And, that raises an interesting question for those of us who identify as Christians.

Question: Are Christians supposed to stand out from the crowd, or are we supposed to fit in and live a quiet life?

This is especially salient for those of us (which is most all of us) who are living “among the nations” — that is, living and working in an environment or a culture that are largely non-Christian. At times, that environment might be anti-Christian, at others it may simply be non-Christian.

Question: So, as Christians, what should our posture toward those environments be?

There have surely been a range of answers to this question, and a number of different postures might be adopted:

Separation and Withdrawal

Description: Christians withdraw from the world to maintain spiritual purity, avoiding engagement with secular culture.

Historical Example: Monasticism (e.g., Desert Fathers, Benedictines).

Modern Example: Certain Anabaptist communities, such as the Amish or Mennonites.

Implication: Emphasizes holiness and focus on God but risks disengagement from cultural influence and mission.

Transformation and Change

Description: Christians actively work to transform culture and society to align with biblical principles.

Historical Example: Puritans seeking to establish a "city on a hill."

Modern Example: Social justice movements led by Christians, such as the civil rights movement.

Implication: Emphasizes mission and societal renewal but risks conflating the gospel with political or cultural goals.

Assimilation and Accommodation

Description: Christians accommodate or adapt to the world’s norms, sometimes to the point of losing distinctiveness.

Historical Example: Some factions of the medieval church that compromised with political power for influence.

Modern Example: Christians prioritizing cultural relevance at the expense of biblical fidelity.

Implication: Allows for cultural relevance but risks diluting faith and losing the prophetic voice.

Dual Citizenship

Description: Christians recognize they are citizens of heaven but live responsibly within earthly kingdoms.

Historical Example: Early church under Roman rule, following Jesus' teaching to "render to Caesar what is Caesar's."

Modern Example: Faithful Christians participating in politics, education, and the arts while maintaining spiritual distinctiveness.

Implication: Balances engagement and distinctiveness but requires constant discernment and wisdom.

Opposition and Confrontation

Description: Christians stand against worldly powers and ideologies that contradict biblical teachings.

Historical Example: Martyrs and reformers such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer under Nazi Germany.

Modern Example: Advocacy against moral injustices like human trafficking or abortion.

Implication: Offers a bold witness but risks alienation or fostering an "us versus them" mentality.

Service and Blessing

Description: Christians serve the world as a reflection of Christ’s love, being a blessing to their neighbors.

Historical Example: Early Christians caring for plague victims in the Roman Empire.

Modern Example: Christian NGOs providing disaster relief, education, and healthcare.

Implication: Demonstrates the gospel through action but can be misunderstood if not paired with explicit faith-sharing.

Endurance and Witness

Description: Christians patiently endure persecution or cultural marginalization while remaining faithful.

Historical Example: Persecuted church under communist regimes or in Muslim-majority countries.

Modern Example: Christians living in secular or hostile environments while quietly witnessing through integrity and love.

Implication: Offers a compelling testimony but requires significant courage and faithfulness.

Question: So, what should our strategy be?

Methodology: Tonight, we’re going to reflect on one biblical character — Daniel — who certainly lived “among the nations.” We’ll meditate on his story and allow it to inform how we think about our own posture toward the world we live in.

Thesis: I won’t define this for you, but we’ll track some themes that may be helpful in getting you started in answering that question for your own life with a biblical model in view.

Conclusion

What I can offer to students at Agape:

Apologetics (In-person, Zoom)

Bible Study (In-person, Zoom)

Conversations (In-person, Zoom)

I’m available any time of year, including Summer