In the New Testament, we read about how becoming a friend of the world puts God’s people at enmity with Him (James 4:4). To recognize and want all the same values, traditions, interests, and core beliefs as secular society, some individuals or churches come into opposition of Christ. Similarly, as there were numerous false deities in the ancient Near East, the people of nations surrounding Israel engaged in idol worship where it was forbidden to place anything above the value and supremacy of God. Yet, as the major prophets write about in explicit detail, that is exactly what God’s people did.
Like other nations, Israel wanted to serve wood and stone, or objects made with their own hands to worship and serve. Even worse, they participated in child sacrifices and served false gods to gain favor. Inevitable and growing destructive behaviors were carried out among the pagan nations to have a severely consequential influence on Israel. As we read in Ezekiel 20:32, we come to understand that the people of Israel wanted to be like other nations to form their own religious worldview and worship creation, or false deities rather than their Creator.
Today, modern Christians look upon the systems and objects of desire formed by modern society, and we want the same for ourselves. Too often, not just in an incidental, or healthy way, but as a preeminently common value above Yahweh. To have a bearing on how we are educated, entertained, governed, and how we are made prosperous and secure through economic beliefs and policies. All of which we adopt for ourselves while having separate priorities apart from Christ (Isaiah 53:6). As “being in the world yet not of the world” does not bear practical meaning to affect life choices, use of time, money, attention, behaviors, thinking, etc. All Christians are called to place Christ as LORD over everything and anything.
The full integration of secular society and the local church caters to its guests, members, and the public with initiatives, programs, or appeal with well-developed marketing messages absent the gospel or hardships that accompany abundant and eternal life in Christ. Compromise against biblical principles of service, living, and morality becomes inevitable. A church given to social appeal dilutes its purpose and mission as it caters to the “what’s in it for me” mindset. If an individual or group’s lifestyle, “self-truth,” or preferences cannot be accommodated, then secular churches lapse, temporarily or otherwise, into concession in its desire to serve a false “god.” A false god honored by how it operates. Moreover, social influences and pressures upon an individual can have a significant bearing on a Christian that does not honor Christ as Lord. A person is then inevitably subjected to the honor required of what seems right at best (Prov 14:12).
It is necessary to love others and steward creation, but love for Yahweh is most urgent.
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