Brad Alles

How do we respond to these cultural consequences of Post-Modern thought? Here are some suggestions.

First, we need to understand the times and be aware of the various mindsets around us. 1 Chronicles 12:32 mentions men who joined David to fight with him “who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” In similar fashion, we should be educated in the worldviews of the day so that we might be able to witness effectively. Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias says that understanding what we believe and what other people believe is key to this century.

Second, we need to develop convictions. A conviction is being thoroughly convinced a belief is true and taking a stand for it. We need to grow from “just believing” the Christian faith to being thoroughly convinced it is true.  Paul encouraged Timothy to remain in what he had discovered to be true in 2 Timothy 3:14-15. “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Third, we should pursue the Truth. Not only is Jesus the Truth (John 14:6), but the Bible is the truth as well (John 17:17). We need to study and know the Bible, along with apologetics, since we’re sent to the world to evangelize. In a Post-Modern world of no truth, we need all the Truth we can get! Jesus prayed for His Apostles in John 17:15-18: “‘My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.’”

Fourth and finally, we are to love our enemies, which is the true mark of Christian. It is inevitable that people will not agree with you; some will call you intolerant or narrow-minded in this Post-Modern culture. Instead of name-calling or fighting back, Christ calls us to imitate Him and make a lasting impression on people. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus told His disciples to “‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.’” Sometimes how you act will have an even greater impact than what you say.