A Biblical Viewpoint

In the January Faith Radio Ministry Magazine, a free publication released four times yearly, I shared an article: Seeing Cultural Trends Through a Biblical Lens. I wrote, “We can recognize the sufficiency of Scripture to speak to not only how we can live our individual lives to the glory of God, as disciples of Jesus Christ, but also to how we can address issues that are confronting our culture.” I highlighted seven areas:

Preeminence of Scripture
It is important that believers in Christ allow the Word to govern the way we see the world around us. In 2nd Timothy 3:16, we can read: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” God’s Word reflects God’s heart and directs us in His ways. In our analysis of cultural trends, we have to begin with the Word, not our own ideas.

Power of Prayer
We are instructed to pray for our authorities, so that we might be free to live our lives according to God’s principles. Fortunately, in America, we have religious freedom under our Constitution, which enables us to be solid, effective witnesses for Christ. 1st Timothy 2:1-4 says: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”

Protection for Life
A key element that Scripture teaches is that God is the Creator of all life, and human beings reflect His handiwork. It is vital that we are involved in the protection of life. Jeremiah 1:5 affirms God’s view of life in the womb: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” We can develop an attitude toward human life, including the lives of the unborn that is consistent with our Creator God.

Preservation of Marriage
God’s view toward human life and His establishment of the institution of marriage are found in Genesis. Jesus referred to God’s creative act of Adam and Eve and His ordination of marriage in Mark chapter 10:6-9: “…But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

There are three critical teachings in the area of sexuality in this powerful passage: 1) God has created two genders: male and female, 2) the marriage relationship is defined as one man and one woman in a one-flesh relationship, 3) and God’s intent for strong marriages.

Participation in Financial Stewardship
The Bible speaks of being good stewards of the resources that God has given to us. We are taught to avoid 1) selfishness 2) debt and 3) irresponsibility through participation in gambling.

We are challenged in Scripture to be charitable and to put the needs of others above our own. We can read in 2nd Corinthians 9:7: “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

We are also called to be sure that we are not spending more than we make. Proverbs 22:7b says: “…the borrower is servant to the lender.”

Another area of responsibility involves rejecting gambling. In 1st Timothy 6:9-10, we can read: “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Parental Rights and Responsibilities
Scripture is clear about the responsibility that Christian parents have to raise their children according to the principles of Scripture. Deuteronomy chapter 6 underscores this, when it says in verses 6-7a: “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…”

Preference of Leaders
Christians can be devoted to the selection of leaders who reflect their deeply held beliefs. It is important that Christians make a prayerful and informed choice when we vote. Proverbs 29:2 states, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.”

These are seven areas in which the Church can be involved, viewing our culture and speaking out in accordance with Scripture.

Scripture: New King James Version.