For many Christians around the globe — as noted in the Snippets this month — life is a daily struggle as they face persecution and even death for the sake of the Gospel. The culture that surrounds them is actively hostile toward them for their faith. In the U.S., our feature writer Aaron Renn contends, Christians now face a “negative world” — while we do not have to fear death or even outright persecution for our faith, for the first time in our nation’s history Christians do face social and material disadvantages for professing orthodox Christianity. Renn’s insight into the culture and life of the church in America offers us Lutherans much to consider. In a world increasingly antagonistic toward the Gospel and the Christian church, how do we live? Renn offers some helpful suggestions; Scott Adle, an LCMS pastor, extends those suggestions and offers more.
Another answer to this dilemma comes from Rod Dreher, conservative American critic. Many Lutherans have read his books, including The Benedict Option. Jason Lane takes up Dreher’s three most recent books and helps Lutherans think through what’s beneficial in Dreher’s advice, and what isn’t.
But one of the best answers to the question of how Christians ought to live in a hostile world comes from an article that might not, at first glance, seem to fit with the theme: The Matthew Wurm’s reflection on the 500th anniversary of the marriage of Martin and Katy Luther. Luther clearly was not twitterpated when he tied the knot with the noble Katherina von Bora. And yet he married her and came to love and cherish her deeply. Their marriage served not merely as a stink in the nose of the pope, but as a vibrant example of God’s love and care for His people.
Luther hesitated in getting married because he feared an impending execution as a heretic. Talk about a hostile culture. And yet, he married Katy as a testament to God’s good gift of marriage and lived in that union as a witness of God’s love.
The gift of marriage and family remains a bulwark against the encroachments of a negative culture. When husbands and wives live together in this blessed state, when they rear children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, when children respect and obey their parents and those in authority over them, it is a true biblical option, a true testament of God’s good gifts to a world at odds with God.
May Lutherans ever be such a witness. And may this issue be the opening of a great conversation among us about the great gifts of God for us.
By the Grace of God,
Roy S. Askins
RE: “The gift of marriage and family remains a bulwark against the encroachments of a negative culture.”
Provided that the marriage itself is healthy? Where shall one spouse find strength when the other is weakened by difficulties? What is the “bulwark” for the millions of adult Christians who are unmarried, divorced or widowed?
• “God [himself] is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1 ESV).
• “I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust'” (Ps. 91:2).
• “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you” (Ps. 55:22).
• “Bear one another’s burdens,” that is, as an entire community that trusts in the Lord (Gal 6:2).
It is interesting that this article is titled, “The sanctified life in a hostile world.” I have spent my life as a Christian, and despite struggles against sin, and striving against the world, the flesh, and the devil, I say to any who will listen, that more often I have not felt sanctified, but viewed myself as struggling. Sometimes I have felt tossed and lost, other times joyful, yet I am a sinner saved by Christ, and walking with Him, albeit imperfectly, but confidently. At my advanced age, I know I will see Him as the curtain is steadily closing, a reality that comes with having more years behind than ahead. There is no confidence in the flesh, or works, only the quiet reality and comfort of knowing God. When I feel down, unworthy, it seems the Holy Spirit has his hand on my shoulder, quietly musing to my mind, “It’s alright. God still loves you, just keep walking.” I have cultivated the habit of writing scriptural verses on 3×5 cards to carry with me. I have been doing this for over forty years. Here is one I marked “Troubled in life: Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Am I sanctified yet? Have I found it? No, but Jesus has shown me the way to find it. Soli Deo Gloria