In contemporary times, the world is becoming increasingly divided and grouped into different categories based on an ever-shifting standard. Some even pride themselves on these differences and claim superiority over their fellow men (and women). Unfortunately, the church is sometimes no different.
In biblical times, Paul notes the factions and divisions present in the church and strongly warns believers against these things. He warns that these attributes are worldly and infantile. Paul’s teachings did not solely apply to the Corinthians. They can and should be employed in the church today because these worldly issues are present in the church today.
According to Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:16, “let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven, “the church is commanded to show our good works and be the shining light for the world that is always pointing to the glory of God. In other words, the church is a group of united individuals in mission, vision, and purpose, and in our Father in heaven— family. This means that the church is to be a beacon of hope, guiding the way for the world and not embracing worldly principles because, to put it simply, it does not bring glory to God. While the world prides itself on divisive issues, the church’s role is to shine brightly and point the way for unity and a better world.
Firstly, on the issue of race, the world is quickly being divided on issues affecting people based on the colour of their skin. The world places individuals in sections based on race, not as unique, wonderfully, and fearfully made individuals in the image of God, but as groups of people whose defining characteristic is the colour of their skin. On this matter, the church should be the beacon pointing the world to the truth that skin colour is one of the beautiful gifts of God and does not define a person. It is one of the many ways that God shows His creativity and desire for diversity.
Secondly, on the issue of gender and sex, the world is quickly being divorced from the mandate of God. “The future is female,” the world has said, for example, but Genesis 5:2 is God’s choice and states: “He created them male and female, and he blessed them and called them human.” This means that men and women showcase the glory and image of God together. If one was better than the other, God would have stated it clearly in scripture. However, today, the world is increasingly divided. It is not uncommon to see one gender seeking domination over the other, even in the church! Again, on this matter, the church is the beacon and should be pointing the world to the splendour of God displayed when both sexes work as God intended.
Thirdly, the church should be united on the issue of class and socioeconomic status as a place where the poor and needy are provided for and helped rather than being shunned and ignored. Nevertheless, this duty is often relegated to other institutions because of apathy and other reasons. However, Isaiah 58:6-7 is a reminder that God commands the church to provide food for the hungry, to provide housing for the homeless, and to break the yoke of bondage that enslaves the oppressed in our midst. Also, on this topic, the church must be a beacon of hope to the world, pointing to the glory of God.
There are many other -isms that this article does not discuss. Regardless of whatever -ism the world embraces: racism, sexism, feminism, classism, adultism, or others, the purpose of the church remains the same— to be a beacon of light, pointing to the glory of God.
