I’m kind of a news junkie and a bit of a policy wonk too. When it comes to policy and politics, I am unapologetically engaged as a citizen of the county, city, state and country in which I live. When it comes to opinions, I have them readily available on every subject and on every person. I could (but don’t) tweet out updates all day long on political issues as well as all the moronic things that our elected leaders (on both sides) do! A blogger friend of mine asked me recently whether or not I thought speaking out on policy matters was counterproductive to reaching gay people for Christ – a great question and one that I’ve been struggling with for quite some time.
A couple of years ago, I felt the Lord leading me to limit our organizational involvement in public policy matters as well as my own public involvement. I stopped attending many of the policy meetings I used to go to and reduced the amount of time I spent writing and speaking about bills and government leaders. I didn’t stop caring about the issues, but I began praying for wisdom about how Exodus was to play a role in bringing greater cultural change in a more relational way.
Even now as I share this, it may come across as if I am pointing a finger at other individuals and organizations engaged publicly in policy efforts. I’m not and I’m truly grateful for those who are called to work in that arena, but I do pray regularly that they won’t ever lose their focus on the One who called them or on the valuable people on all sides affected by public policy. I pray that for myself too. Sound, biblical public policy is good and even evangelistic at times, but should never be a substitute for seeking heart change through relationship.
The most vital relationship anyone can have is with the One who created them and offers a life of purpose and clarity in the midst of a confusing world. Our goal, as a regiment of troops in the battle against unseen principalities and powers, is to tell others about Jesus, to help them know and understand Him and patiently watch as He changes them from the inside out.
I can think of countless stories where it has been relationship that made the difference in someone’s desire to follow Christ. For instance, my friend and colleague Yvette Schneider, once a hard hearted woman and hater of all things Christian, was changed through the persistent kindness of a man named Jeff who loved the Lord and wanted to show that in his actions towards Yvette. He didn’t beat her over the head with Scripture or do anything more than continually respond to her anger and hatred with kindness. And, it was a cappuccino that he brought her one morning after years of taking her abuse that broke her heart and caused her to change her mind about God and Christians.
As I grow in my own understanding of the truth of Christ, I gain deeper insights into His grace, compassion and develop more of His patience. Today, as I think about the culture war, I step back, take a deep breath, put down my physical weapons and pray that God would help me to go beyond the crossfire to see the deeper battle and to wage the war there at the place that doesn’t involve judging or pointing at people.
The culture war has been based almost squarely on truth without much regard for relationship or hearts or grace. I choose to allow the truth of Christ to spring up from the well and pour out a deluge of grace, mercy and compassion. After all, it is His kindness that leads us to repentance.
About Alan Chambers
A sound admonishment to those of us who engage in public policy discussions. I agree that we must never forget that our ultimate purpose for engaging with people should be to glorify Him. Thank you.
A sound admonishment to those of us who engage in public policy discussions. I agree that we must never forget that our ultimate purpose for engaging with people should be to glorify Him. Thank you.
Oh, I like this, Alan. So right on.
“Sound, biblical public policy is good and even evangelistic at times, but should never be a substitute for seeking heart change through relationship.”
Hear, hear! A wise Christian commentator — his is a household name — got me to really begin seeing this nearly a decade ago during a mild-mannered debate/discussion. That was a real blessing to me.
Oh, I like this, Alan. So right on.
“Sound, biblical public policy is good and even evangelistic at times, but should never be a substitute for seeking heart change through relationship.”
Hear, hear! A wise Christian commentator — his is a household name — got me to really begin seeing this nearly a decade ago during a mild-mannered debate/discussion. That was a real blessing to me.
Well done Alan! Well spoken. Thank you.
Well done Alan! Well spoken. Thank you.
“As I grow in my own understanding of the truth of Christ, I gain deeper insights into His grace, compassion and develop more of His patience. Today, as I think about the culture war, I step back, take a deep breath, put down my physical weapons and pray that God would help me to go beyond the crossfire to see the deeper battle and to wage the war there at the place that doesn’t involve judging or pointing at people”
That’s the spririt, Alan! Without compromising our values or our faith, I think it is time for a cease-fire in the culture wars. Too much collateral damage. Real lives are at stake. Let’s find common ground.
“As I grow in my own understanding of the truth of Christ, I gain deeper insights into His grace, compassion and develop more of His patience. Today, as I think about the culture war, I step back, take a deep breath, put down my physical weapons and pray that God would help me to go beyond the crossfire to see the deeper battle and to wage the war there at the place that doesn’t involve judging or pointing at people”
That’s the spririt, Alan! Without compromising our values or our faith, I think it is time for a cease-fire in the culture wars. Too much collateral damage. Real lives are at stake. Let’s find common ground.