This 21st century has witnessed some massive changes in the world today. It is an era of highly advanced Technology with global outlets and nuclear world communities. A world of possibilities where the word 'Impossible' is diminishing. Along with this paradigm shift, the world of Christianity has also have seen many changes.
Keeping in tune with the rest of the world, the churches too are prospering in all aspects, be it in financial status, fame, global Christianity and various well advanced Evangelism strategies at its best, creating an impression of superiority over other poorer or smaller churches.
It couldn’t get better than this from a worldly point of view and perspectives, as the 21st century seems to be the perfect platform for Christians to be witnessing Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth but sadly it is not so.
Ironically, a closer look inside the world communities awaken us to the bitter truth and realities of life. With Nuclear war looming in the air, coupled with news of war and terrorists attacks almost becoming an everyday affair, corrupted leaders accepted naturally; justice denied to the poor, loss of freedom, coupled with natural calamities, and economic instability, that it doesn’t surprised us any more but a resigned acceptance of everything that is evil in the world today.
The most shocking reality is that, the 21st century churches has comfortably adjusted herself to the transcends of time which depicts a morally and spiritually degraded society.
The sacred practices of holiness and uniqueness of the church has dissolved into thin air, with the church seemingly welcoming the growth and similarities of the church with the world as unique. The church has loss her former glory and it's sacred identity as the body of Christ, with a false sense of spirituality amongst Christians today. We intend to become perfect in our own eyes and sin is ignored or accepted as a normal norm of life. We have reached a certain stage in our lives where we compromised Biblical teachings to fit our own worldly views. It is even more shameful to see that other religious groups of people fear and frown upon the Church instead of respecting and honoring our faith .
I speak from a general point of view and not necessarily pin pointing to any countries, organizations or denominations here.
How can the call of witnessing for Christ to the end of the Earth be fulfilled in this given situation? Specifically what role does the 21st century Christian have to accomplish to win more souls for Christ?
The challenges that we are facing now is far greater than ever before. Our salvation is far nearer than ever (Rom.13:11). I echo the words of Statesman Edmund Berke who said, “All that is needed for the forces of evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing.”
We must not remain a mere dumb or mute spectators for fear of rejection, secularist, socialist, communist, liberal, feminist or vice versa. The time to come out of our comfort zones and accomplish our given task for God in our generation has finally arrived, and it has to be now or never. It may not be possible for us to accomplish this feats alone at one go but we can start with the tiny small changes in our homes, friends circle and communities together as one in Christ.
Our shared faith and values should reflect Christ just so that the truth of Christ teachings prevails, and it is our bounden duty to foster these values and carry it forward with conviction and a renewed spirit.
Let us join hands to do something different with our Faith and prove it to the world that being a responsible 21st Century Christian is not only limiting ourselves to our Christian community and churches alone, but to move beyond our comfort zones and reached out to be a part of a greater community that impact and bring changes to ordinary people’s life as a light bearer to the nation by spreading the Good News wherever we go exhibiting the life of Jesus. Let us not ignore the problems and suffering of our people anymore but become path finders for everyone to live together in peace. Great changes will not happen overnight but I believe small changes here and there will lead us to our ultimate goal of salvation for all humanity.
To sum it all in Apostle Paul's words, a 21st Century Christian's life must apply this code to bring changes to our church in particular and society at large,
“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good. Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:9-18; NRSV).
A wholly sincere Christian in this 21st Century is the need of the Hour. Let us be that one person.
