Stand Firm

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (New Internation Version, 1 Corinthians 15:58). 

Throughout the first chapter of Christianity and Liberalism, author, J. Gresham Machen presents his thesis which is his discussion of current religious issues and the shift that American Christianity has undergone in recent decades. Machen argues that Christianity is under threat from secular society. Machen presented two statements that were especially impactful and which I wish to elaborate on.

Machen stated, “The type of religion which rejoices in the pious sound of traditional phrases, regardless of their meanings, or shrinks from “controversial” matters, will never stand amid the shocks of life” (Machen 1). I have always found it fascinating to observe various Christian communities, denominations, and practices. I am intrigued by the way that each branch of faith interacts with the world. The tradition I come from believes that we are called to be separate from the world in the way we dress, the things we do, and the lifestyle we live. Yet, other Christians believe that it is best to blend in with society in order to impact it. While there may be strengths and weaknesses to each approach, I believe there is danger in blending in with the secular culture. However, whether churches choose separation or integration, I believe that the American church is too comfortable. We talk the walk, but do we walk the walk. As Machen pointed out, we love our “tradition phrases” but when it comes down to the difficult subjects, if we shy away from that, our churches and our very faith will crumble.

In addition, Machen posits “that the things that are sometimes thought to be hardest to defend are also the things that are most worth defending” (6). I believe that the strongest churches are the ones that blatantly and unashamedly stand up for what is right amidst what the secular culture around them is doing. So many churches, I believe, when faced with difficult subjects such as gender identity, marriage, abortion, and other matters, have fallen prey to secular society. In trying to blend in, they have succumbed to complacency and ultimately, have rejected the truth of Scripture. Machen does not shy away from asking the tough questions and his thoughts lead to some core questions that I believe every Christian and church community should evaluate. Are we defending the purity of the Gospel? Is our faith and testimony being watered down by secular ideas and society? Are we willing to ask the hard questions and develop an action plan to fight against liberalism invading our faith and our Christianity?  

May we as the church stand firm in defending the difficult subjects. May we follow the truth, wherever it may lead. May we ultimately remember that we are the bride of Christ, chosen, justified, sanctified, and soon to be glorified. We need to stand firm because we are ambassadors and children of the most wonderful and holy God. As true believers, our position on difficult matters in secular society is not an option, it is our mandate. We are a city on a hill, called to shine brightly (Matthew 5:14). When we are ashamed of our position in Christ, Christ will also be ashamed of us (Luke 9:26). Ultimately, may we responded out of love for the one who died and gave His very life for our redemption.