Christians and Culture
by Chadwick Brewer
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
“Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved” (I Corinthians 10:32-33).
These two passages stand in tension, not opposition. This tension causes us to reflect on how we, as Christians, are to fit into the culture around us. On the one hand, we are not to be conformed to this world and live as strangers and aliens on this earth. On the other hand, we know we are not to cause offense and, to some degree, blend in with cultural norms. How do we do this?
Here is a suggestion: We should not strive to offend and break cultural norms that have no moral ramifications. We do not want to be a distraction or a roadblock to others hearing the gospel. We are going to be very different from those around us in our modesty, our speech, our love, our morality, etc. But the areas in which we must be different should highlight the gospel and not our individuality.
I will be different from the world around me because I am imitating Christ, not because I am trying to highlight myself. In areas that are not moral battlegrounds, I cause no offense. In areas where I cannot conform to this world because of morality, I want others to see Christ in me. I do not try to stand out from the crowd to bring attention to me. I stand out from the crowd to bring attention to Christ in me.