The Voice of Zion December 2024 - Editorial --
As Christians, we are placed in the world to serve, to be light in darkness, to be salt that preserves what is good. Jesus’ prayer in John 17:15 captures this mission beautifully: “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” Jesus knew that while the world is marked by brokenness and sin, we are not to withdraw from it. Instead, we are called to engage as witnesses of God’s grace and truth, mindful of the pitfalls of isolating ourselves and cutting off meaningful engagement with others.
The Dangers of Isolation
There is often a temptation, particularly when society’s values seem increasingly at odds with Christian beliefs, to retreat. But fully withdrawing, however well-intentioned, runs counter to the mission Christ has given us. He calls us to be among others, bearing witness of the gospel through our vocations. Lutheran teaching on vocation emphasizes that every Christian has roles—parent, neighbor, worker, friend, or citizen—and serves God through them.
Jesus did not shy away from people’s struggles, and neither should we. Our ability to empathize, to be compassionate, and to minister is diminished when we withdraw. If we set ourselves apart, we may miss an opportunity to witness God’s wisdom and protection in complexities and real-world challenges that life sets before us. God has exhorted us to fear not; relying on Him can strengthen our faith.
Engaging without Conforming
Engaging with the world does not mean conforming to it. Paul’s reminder in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers,” urges discernment in relationships. It is natural that we form ties, in work, study, neighborhood life, and other ventures, with people of many persuasions. But we would wish to avoid compromising what we believe in order to maintain those ties. To confess one’s faith is to indicate where boundaries lie. Saying what we believe, even if we aren’t always able to explain why, can be a powerful sermon. While we are called to love and serve everyone, we must also maintain our spiritual integrity, especially in significant partnerships.
Being “unequally yoked” speaks to the imbalance that can occur in deep, binding relationships where values or beliefs conflict. This caution is not about judging another, but about relying on Christ as our sure foundation. As believers, we live according to a different standard—one rooted in God’s Word. We are called to be lights to the world, reflecting Christ’s love while building our closest relationships on shared faith in Him.
Trust in God’s Sustaining Grace
Isolation can sometimes signal a lack of trust in God’s providence. It may suggest that, in order to preserve our faith, we must withdraw. Yet, Christians believe that God sustains us as we live in the world, even amidst its challenges. His Word and sacraments equip us to remain faithful, and His grace gospel provides the strength we need to engage with society without being overcome by it.
Jesus did not isolate Himself from sinners, nor did He pray that His disciples would be removed from the world’s struggles. Instead, He sent them out, just as He sends us, to bring the light of the gospel to every corner of the world. Rather than withdrawing, we are called to trust in God’s protection as we engage with those around us, trusting that He will guide us through the temptations and difficulties we encounter.
As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we remember that Jesus entered the world in humility, becoming one of us. In the incarnation, God stepped into human history, to bring light into our darkness. He came not to isolate His own from the world, but to walk among us, share our burdens, and reveal God’s love.
May we be inspired by “Emmanuel––God with us” to live fully present where we are placed, trusting that God’s grace will guide us to serve our neighbors with love and compassion. We can with Christmas joy in our hearts fulfill our calling wherever we are placed.