Vol.8 No.3

Straying Pilgrims and “Lite” Salt
By Betsy Mayer

The recent Guttmacher Institute report on abortion raises some perplexing questions about Christians in U.S. society. Of the abortion patients surveyed, 31% claimed to be Catholic and 38% Protestant, with born-again Evangelicals making up nearly half the Protestant number. Christians, especially Evangelicals and Catholics, are the most outspoken critics of legalized abortion. Perhaps these statistics tell us more about the church’s performance in society than about society itself.

The Scriptures employ several symbolic concepts about the church’s relationship to secular culture. One is the “Strangers and Pilgrims” concept. I am borrowing the phrase from Hebrews 11:13: “These all died in faith, not having received the promise. . .and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

What does this symbolism portray? First, Christians are not always in synch with worldlings. We are strangers—not only geographically, but also spiritually and philosophically. Our values and priorities are different. We know this world is temporary and have accepted eternal realities as our way of living. Second, we are merely passing through this world on our way to a better land. We are not permanent residents.

We should not be surprised then, when society reflects godless values and the government is influenced by special interest groups promoting non-biblical agendas. We are not looking for heaven on earth.

Another important symbol of the church comes from Christ’s Sermon on the Mount recorded in Matthew 5:13-16: “Ye are the salt of the earth. . . . Ye are the light of the world. . . .” Christians are to be preserving, enlightening elements in society.

However, applying these principles to the modern church could yield some fairly stiff conclusions. In regards to abortions by professing Christians, obviously the salt factor is down and pilgrims have strayed into enemy territory.

Consider the effect on society if Christians lowered abortion statistics among themselves. Although Christians aren’t in unity on abortion, of the 1.5 million abortions performed in 1995, if even the Evangelicals had said no, that would have been 270,000 less abortions! Certainly Christians should not lessen their work to legally protect the unborn. But can Christians actually urge a skeptical culture to legislate a higher standard than they are living? I am reminded of the description of professed Christians living at the end of time, “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5).

Christians teach that secular humanists are greatly to be feared. Do you know who I really fear? I fear Christians who seek to maintain their tottering influence in society through civil legislation. In fact, I believe that prophecy actually points to this development.

As you read this issue, remember that God is not dependent on the government to maintain His church. He will have a people who are living moral lives at His appearing. I want to be a part of them, don’t you? In the meantime, let us not neglect our work as salt and light while desiring a better country, even heaven.