Embracing Biblical Foundations: Why Christians Must Engage with "Divisive" Issues
Understanding the Genesis Mandate and Its Impact on Contemporary Debates
In today's society, certain issues like gender, marriage, and abortion are often labeled as "political" or "divisive." However, for Christians, these are not merely matters of politics or culture; they are deeply rooted in Scripture, particularly in the foundational book of Genesis.
Genesis 1:1 (NIV)
The Beginning
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
²⁷So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.
From Genesis 1:1, which declares God as the Creator of all things, to verse 27, where He establishes the value of human life, the gender binary, and the institution of marriage, these truths are fundamental to our understanding of the world. When society disregards these foundational principles, chaos inevitably follows.
Matthew 19:4-5 (NIV)
⁴“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ ⁵and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?
As believers, it is our responsibility to champion these truths in every aspect of our lives – from our homes to our places of worship, from our conversations with friends to our actions in the public sphere. We do so not out of judgment or divisiveness, but out of obedience to God's authority and love for our neighbors.
1 John 4:8 (NIV)
⁸Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 3:18 (NIV)
¹⁸Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Yes, standing firm on these principles may lead to criticism, rejection, and even persecution. But as God's people, we are called to be bold and unwavering in our convictions, knowing that we are justified by Him who died and rose again for us.
Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV)
¹¹“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. ¹²Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Romans 8:34 (NIV)
³⁴Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
So let us embrace the Genesis mandate with courage and conviction, knowing that we serve a God who is love and who calls us to stand firm in truth. As we navigate these turbulent times, may the church be a beacon of hope and refuge for the vulnerable, reflecting the love and grace of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)
²fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For more insights on these foundational truths and their implications for contemporary debates, refer to Allie Beth Stuckey's original tweet here. Allie Beth Stuckey is the host of "Relatable," author of "You're Not Enough (& That's Okay)," and an opinion writer for WORLD Magazine.
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