The visit to Ministry of Home Affairs' Heritage Center made me realise, more now than ever, how fragile a multi racial society is, and how the slightest insensitivity can trigger social chaos.
Reflecting on recent times, although public sentiment is not as easily incited, in that people no longer resort to rioting or physical outbursts, a carelessly thought statement, or a view that infringes on the rights of others will not go unnoticed. This is especially so for the homosexual issue, where various churches and pastors have been heavily criticized over social media for their opinions.
These reflections have made me realise that in Singapore, in this world for that matter, a Christian will face many difficulties in fulfilling the great commission. To my knowledge, Christians are the most intentional in the spreading of their faith. Every church I know has an outreach and missions arm, and this is increasingly emphasized, as the world grows dimmer; as human decency slips and wavers.
Yet as we share, we do not always practice sensitivity, and oftentimes do more damage instead. This defeats the point of evangelism, which is, in my opinion, to provide a testimony of how Christ lives, and to spread the good news of His love and salvation. Instead, by attempting to order a chaotic world, we create more chaos instead.
Yet as we share, we do not always practice sensitivity, and oftentimes do more damage instead. This defeats the point of evangelism, which is, in my opinion, to provide a testimony of how Christ lives, and to spread the good news of His love and salvation. Instead, by attempting to order a chaotic world, we create more chaos instead.
Admittedly, that line is difficult to tread, and we risk either doing too little and retreating from outreach, or going too far, with the result that we step on the toes of others. This is a difficult issue that I continue to wrestle with. I think that there is no ‘one size fit all’ solution, because every Christian shares the faith differently, and every non-Christian receives the faith differently as well.
Broadly speaking, I think that, to be effective testimonies and out-reachers, we must ultimately love, not just in the outward expression (the way we evangelise), but deep down in our inner most heart (how we feel towards those who have yet to receive Christ).
For what we are will be reflected in how we act.
For what we are will be reflected in how we act.
Changzhong
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