I wish I could do that

We read of Christian heroes who, under great pressure, have defied the odds, obeyed God and achieved great things for him, and we rightly admire them. But this can become a trap. We often think, “I wish I could do that, but I know I never could.” Instead of being encouraged, we condemn ourselves, our confidence shrinks and we do nothing.

Few can be a Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Gladys Aylward or Richard Wurmbrand. But God does not ask us to become a Bonhoeffer, Aylward or Wurmbrand. God asks that we become ourselves, as fully and truly as we can. To do that in the midst of an unbelieving generation means getting on with what God has placed before us. Don’t wait for the ‘right time’ or the best opportunity: get on with what is before us today.

Living without reproach

When in discussion with someone who rejects a biblical worldview, never give them the opportunity to point a finger and dismiss our arguments because of something we have done or left undone. So-called ‘progressives’ are not consistently logical and will often use ad hominen argumentation, playing the man rather than the ball. If they can dismiss us rather than our argument, they will. Live moment by moment as God pleasers rather than as eye pleasers and we will leave no room for accusation.

With ‘progressives’, consensus is usually a one-way street and gradually the centre ground moves ever in a progressive direction.

Don’t begin by surrendering

Don’t be like Conservative politicians who reckon that if they want to get a hearing, and a television appearance, they must reject any socially conservative position and try to reach consensus. They fail to realise that with ‘progressives’, consensus is usually a one-way street and gradually the centre ground moves ever in a progressive direction.

Through politicians wishing to appear reasonable we have been left with abortion virtually on demand, an education system sliding down the world rankings, and an NHS in continuing crisis. As biblical Christians, we must choose our battles wisely, but once battle is engaged, we should not give an inch.

Build confidence

We often hold back through lack of confidence. The mainstream media portrays biblical Christians as a tiny minority who hold outdated, unscientific and reprehensible views, so we hunker down and remain quiet. Yet most ordinary people, including our workmates and neighbours, hold to the views that we hold. Those intent on fundamentally altering the nature of society rely on our silence. It is when we speak up that we find to our surprise that we are not alone: the people around us may not be Christians but most of them retain the values of a Christian-based culture.

As biblical Christians, we must choose our battles wisely, but once battle is engaged, we should not give an inch.

We fear we might find ourselves in a discussion where we are unable to respond properly and make matters worse. Be confident. Do the right thing even when there seems little hope of success; do it because it is right. You think that there are only two sexes and that the transgender lobby creates confusion in the minds of youngsters doing no more than going through puberty? Then say so. You are highly unlikely to be confronted by a professor of gender studies at the local gym or WI. The vast majority of people we speak to on a daily basis are just like us - pretty ordinary. We don’t have to be renowned experts in any field; we just need to know the basics.

Do your homework

Do some general reading on the subject and you will be much better informed than those you are speaking to. Grasp two things about progressivism: it is surrounded by a haze of ignorance and it is largely anti-science. So-called ‘progressives’ are on shaky ground and are often unsure of themselves. Take the initiative and ask questions; press them to define their terms. What do they mean by social justice, equality or critical theory? Nine times out of ten the answer is incoherent.

‘Progressives’ can’t tell you when life begins. They can’t tell you what truth is, or what is right and wrong. They can’t even tell you what male and female are. Progressivism has by and large turned its back on the hard sciences and uses emotion as a battering ram. You just need a few facts and figures. As Ben Shapiro says, "My facts trump your feelings."

What do they mean by social justice, equality or critical theory? Nine times out of ten the answer is incoherent.

While most ‘progressives’ may be well-meaning, many use emotion, abuse, emotion, political correctness, emotion, no-platforming, and if these fail they fall back on emotion. They reject facts and employ dogma with the fervour of fundamentalists. They are like apocalyptic Bible students who, when the Second Coming doesn’t arrive at their appointed time, readjust the figures and proclaim with utter certainty that it will arrive tomorrow.

The only way to avoid distressing such an individual is by agreeing wholeheartedly with him; anything else results in accusations of homophobia, transphobia, etc. Do not be bullied into compromising. Christians are called to be peacemakers; we don’t have to compromise to be a peacemaker. Luther said, "Truth at all costs, peace if at all possible."

Finally

Always remember I Peter 3:15 and discuss matters “with gentleness and respect”. This can be difficult. When being abused and called ‘fascist’ and all manner of ‘phobe’, our natural reaction is flight or fight; leave off the discussion or go at it hammer and tongs. Just keep calm, speak rationally and make your point gently.

If we want a culture of religious freedom, we need to live that culture today. We live it by giving ourselves wholeheartedly to God, by loving him with passion and joy, confidence and courage, and by holding nothing back.