Exo. 21:1-11; 1 Thess. 1:1-10; Matt. 22:15-22
Introduction
The issue with the Christian faith and society has always been under serious criticism against the Church. Knowing how controversial they are, 'the Pharisees lays plans to trap Jesus Christ.' This has continued after Christ through the Apostles to the early church fathers and onto this day.
Today's Christian leaders consciously and unconsciously avoid critical issues pertaining the society in order not to incur the displeasure of some factions. Meanwhile, our social responsibility is at stake.
Let's go to the Scripture to examine some of our social responsibility as we pursue the mission to snatch people from fire.
Social Responsibility is an ethical theory in which individuals are accountable for fulfilling their civic duty, and the actions of an individual must benefit the whole of society. In this way, there must be a balance between moral development, economic prowess, the welfare of society as well as the environment.
Religion that does not respond to social needs as well, could this be religion?
Jesus draws the attention of his evil plotters and followers to be responsible to the society as we are to God, "So give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
In order words, you cannot be an heir to God's Kingdom whiles neglecting your social responsibility.
Paul asked Titus to "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone." Titus 3:1-2 (NIV)
These seven Christian duties from this text apply to all believers at all times. They are the attitudes and dispositions that should always characterize our lives among those who do not belong to God. Paul’s instruction to Titus, “remind” (hupomimnesko) means keep reminding them. Reminding Christians of these truths should keep them from being hostile and superior to the unsaved.
The Christian's Social Responsibility (Titus 3:1-2)
1. We are to be submissive/subject to rulers and authorities.
This is about our attitude and conduct towards the secular government. God institutes these authorities and permits people into these offices. Therefore, the Christian must submit to them as doing unto God. (cf. Matthew 22:15-22; Romans 13)
2. We are to be obedient to human authorities.
This is the result and visible demonstration of one's submissive attitude towards our societal rulers. This means total compliance with their directives. The only exception to this is found in Acts 4:19 "But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!""
The Christian's obedience to the authorities and rulers must always be in the LORD.
3. We are to be ready to do whatever is good.
This is not reluctantly doing what we know we should do in society but of willingly and sincerely being ready and prepared to perform every good deed toward the people around us that we have the opportunity to do. Consistent aggressive goodness no matter how hostile the society may be to us. (cf. Galatians 6:10; Matthew 5:13,14)
The Christian continually demonstrates the Spiritual transformation received through faith in Jesus Christ to society.
4. We are to speak evil/slander no one.
Whiles contending against the evil societal attitudes we must never slander. Speak evil/slander/malign is from 'blasphemeo'. It is to slander, curse, and treat with contempt. It can never be done from a righteous motive. Christians should be careful not to speak evil of or verbally abuse others, who are created in God’s own image and the object of his saving grace (James 3:9).
The Christian never speaks contemptuously of politicians and other public figures, it's against God's saving grace. Meanwhile, Paul asked us to fervently pray for them. (cf. 1Timothy 2:1-4)
5. We are to be peaceable and considerate.
Living at peace with everyone in our society is so much expected of the Christian. It is easy to be angry with those who corrupt the society. If unbelievers live as unbelievers that is who they are. Belonging to opposing political parties, religions, tribes and nationals is not enmity. Therefore, be considerate of different positions. Paul admonishes, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18 (NIV)
6. We are to be gentle towards everyone.
This carries the basic idea of moderate, fair and forbearing in regard to the treatment of others. An attitude that does not hold grudges but always gives others the benefit of any doubt. (1 Cor. 13). Remember Jesus saying, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing".
7. We are to be social advocates.
The Christian responsibility to speak for the unheard voices are 1) before God and 2) before men.
Paul says, "We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (NIV). Praying for society is our duty.
Again, we are told to, "Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:9 (NIV) “‘If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible." Leviticus 5:1 (NIV)
Note: Whatever the society is today, the church is responsible. The society used rights of passage - naming, puberty, marriage, funeral to teach the people values and morality. Now the church has taken over all of them, if people are killing, robbing, raping, destroying, fighting, lying, etc. then the Church must be held responsible.
Let us go and make society a better place to live for all. This is our social responsibility.
Conclusion
Our social responsibility as Christians is not exclusively provision of school, hospitals, water and supporting the needy as we commonly do. We have a mission, to rescue the society, snatching them from the fire. We are responsible for a peaceful society making the nation worth living in.
