How Should We Then Live in This Apostolic Age? (Part Two)
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Last month we reflected on the sad news that Christendom is dying—that is, the culture, systems, and institutions that develop when Christianity is the dominant worldview. Now, we are moving into a new apostolic age, an age where the cultural vision of reality is opposed to Christianity. We want to live wisely in this new age. How shall we do this?
First, we want to be sure to distinguish between the failure of Christendom and the God who never fails.
Second, we must recognize that institutions tend to become corrupted over time. As we said in our first installment, the besetting sin of Christendom is hypocrisy. In Christendom, the prevailing culture adheres to Christian values, and people are tempted to pretend to be more ardent in their faith than they actually are. In the apostolic age, many, both within and outside the church, point to Christendom’s failures. The sexual abuse. The lack of love. The hypocrisy. The racism. Some are so shattered by the failures of their heroes that they walk away from Christianity. We need to “admit that many modern institutions” over time “became corrupted and therefore inhumane places”.[i] Do not defend Christendom, instead show them Christ by your Christlike heart.
Third, we need to see those around us with compassion, as Christ did. We cannot allow ourselves to see any with whom we disagree as our enemies.
Fourth, we need to recognize that most people will follow “the ruling societal vision” with its distortions “unconsciously”.[ii] To them it will feel instinctively true. They may even see us as standing between them and their happiness. This is to be expected given the culture, even though it is not based in reality.
Fifth, we need to know that “Christ is the answer to every human ill, the solution to every human problem, the only hope for a dying world”.[iii] “The human race has by its own rebellion brought a curse upon itself and has sold itself into slavery to the prince of darkness.” There is nothing we can do to save ourselves or anyone else. God alone can save.
Sixth, we need to know that maintaining a steady walk with Jesus will take more effort in an apostolic age, but, in the effort, we will be refined. “God is testing the hearts of mankind”.[iv] We must expect to be challenged. We will have conflict with those around us. We must be brave in the face of injustice.
Seventh, it is more crucial now than ever for each one of us to foster community with fellow believers and bring our doubts and hesitations—whatever interferes with our ability to trust God, wholeheartedly—to God. Feed your soul. Press into an intimate relationship with God and fellow believers. Seek prayer ministry when you are stuck.
Eighth, we want to encourage each other in the Lord. God can change the world with a small number of ardent believers, just as he did in the early church. I love the way the writers of the book, From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age, put it: “Ten genuine followers of Christ will prove more fecund in new believers than a thousand whose faith is lukewarm.” “The church . . . moves forward one soul at a time, as each individual catches the fire of belief from another and is grafted into the body of Christ”.[v]
Ninth, know what is true and how that differs from what the culture claims is true. The cultural messages are so unrelenting that we need to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Know that distance from God leads to misery. No matter how ardently someone might believe that it is okay to commit adultery, to lie, to cheat, to steal, it only leads to heartache. All around us we see our society deteriorating. Can we compassionately step in to help those who hurt, instead of smugly thinking that they are simply reaping what they sow?
Tenth, fix your hope on the Lord. Always remember, we know the end of the story. Every knee will bow, and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord.
Lord, we give you all the thanks and praise for your mercy to us. You have led us and will continue to lead us. We see more than ever that we need you in every aspect of our being. Show us your way. Strengthen us. Give us courage. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read Part One: Christendom Versus Apostolic Age