Simple Thoughts on Christian Life in Our World
Light and Love Overcome Darkness and Hate
Martin Luther King Jr. once said that only light can chase away darkness, and only love can push away hate. That’s a message worth remembering as we look at what it means to live as a Christian today.
Resisting the Pull of Pop Culture
Today, it’s easy to just go along with what’s popular—social media, movies, music, and whatever’s trending in the news. These things have a huge influence on how we think and live. But if we look at the life of Jesus, we see someone who didn’t just follow the crowd. In fact, he often went in a different direction than what was popular during his time.
The Bible tells us not to let the world’s ways shape us (see 1 John 2:15-17). We’re meant to avoid the bad influences and choose what’s right, even if it isn’t what everyone else is doing.
Checking In on Christian Life Today
Where do we stand as Christians, especially here in America? Dr. Michael Brown asks some important questions: Are we living out what Jesus taught us to do? Are we making the most of what we have in Christ? Or have we let popular culture water down what Christianity really means?
True faith, according to the Bible, is about making a positive difference. That could mean helping orphans and widows, caring for people in need, and resisting the temptation to be shaped by the world’s values (see James 1:27).
Politics and Division
It’s sad but true—our country is split by politics. The Bible doesn’t tell us to pick sides or identify as Democrat, Republican, or Independent. Our faith should go deeper than political labels. Being a good Christian isn’t about which party you belong to, and mixing politics with the message of Jesus can actually pull us apart instead of bringing us together.
The real mark of a Christian should be love. There’s a lot of talk about civility—basically, treating others with kindness, politeness, and respect. These days, it seems more and more people are struggling with that.
Current Events and Incivility
Almost every day, we see news about things like immigration, political arguments, or heated debates. It feels like harsh words and name-calling have taken over, and that’s causing stress for a lot of people. The country is recognizing that this lack of kindness in how we talk to each other is a real problem.
What the Bible Says About Civil Speech
Here are a few verses that remind us how we should speak and treat each other:
· Wise words are valued, but foolish words can lead to trouble (Ecclesiastes 10:12).
· Don’t use bad or hurtful language. Say things that build others up (Ephesians 4:29).
· We shouldn’t praise God in one breath and insult people in the next. That’s not right (James 3:9-10).
· Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry (James 1:19).
· Let go of anger, mean talk, and cursing (Colossians 3:8).
In short, the way we talk should help others, not hurt them. There’s no place for name-calling or angry outbursts if we want to follow Christ.
As one translation puts it, “Let every word you speak be drenched with grace and tempered with truth and clarity. For then you will be prepared to give a respectful answer to anyone who asks about your faith” (Colossians 4:6 TPT).
Living as a Christian today means choosing love, kindness, and truth—even when it’s not popular. It’s about making a difference, staying true to your faith, and always treating others with respect.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 