Ever heard of someone telling you not to join a particular career because you're a Christian?
Maybe you've heard someone give Biblical arguments for not being involved in certain areas of society that are considered 'unfit' for a Christian. Maybe you've also heard arguments that tell you that everything is sacred or that we shouldn't interfere with society?
There are of course good and bad reasons for Christians choosing a particular career over others; some of these include striving for the good of others, striving for more Christian input into society, or just pursuing financial success.
In and of themselves, these ideas are not bad, just as temptations in and of themselves are not sin; it's what you do with it that matters.
"The LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.'" Genesis chapter 4 verses 6-7
Salt and light
No matter what we do, we need to act in the mind of God. Christ reminds us that we are the salt of the earth; he reminds us that we are also the light of the world. If Christians continue to shy away from political work, or the military, or civil service, should we be surprised to see that society becomes less and less accommodating to Christians?
Should we be surprised to see military forces committing various evils rather than be a force for order and justice? How can a city set on a hill be hidden?
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew chapter 5 verse 16
Now, to be fair, what I'm talking about is the idea that Christians are not to retreat from society. We are an active and key part of society that contributes to the countries in which we reside through the Gospel that we believe in, the Gospel which we preach, and the good works we do because God first worked to bring us freedom from sin through Christ.
Our voices are powerful in advocating for the helpless, for the least in society; we have more reason to help those less fortunate because we know that God helped us when we were helpless.
These can only be achieved if we gracefully engage and be part of society, and not by retreating from it.
Above all these things however, the hope of every Christian should be to see that our fellow man come to know God, just as the centurion did at the foot of the cross, at the foot of the greatest work of God; "When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, 'Truly this was the Son of God!'" Matthew chapter 27 verse 54
Jack is studying Commerce and Arts at Macquarie University, he is part of a family of five, his hobbies include computer gaming, football, learning languages, and church history. He currently attends Campsie Chinese Congregational Church. He also sometimes attends St. Paul's Anglican at Burwood. He hopes to one day pursue a career in the Church through Classical Anglicanism.
Jack Liang's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jack-liang.html