During election years, Christians often believe their votes will somehow change their society. It is true that the choice of candidates can make a difference in legislation, but politics will never make a country “Christian.” I once heard author and speaker Cal Thomas say, “There will not be a change in America until there is a change in Americans.”
John Wesley, founder of Methodism and great social reformer, believed that the biblical, radical transformation of individual lives was the result of the work of Christ. Because he introduced one person after another to the claims of Jesus, English society was changed in a positive way.
Wesley did not set out to change his society. He set out to see people experience the same heart-warming spiritual experience he had. But as people experienced God’s love in their hearts through salvation and holiness, they were transformed; and as a result their society was transformed. Here are some action steps on how you can affect your culture.
1. Live a Life that Mirrors Christ
Make it your purpose to live a life that mirrors how Christ would live in your circumstances. Bob Woodson of the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise said, “If you want people to come to Christ they have to see what He looks like.” Live a life that incorporates biblical principles. Ask God to make you aware of any blind spots that may hinder your witness and choose to deal with them immediately. Ask Him to help you through a difficult time so that people can see the difference. If you experience success in great ways, don’t change how you relate to those around you.
2. Take Responsibility for Others
Second, take responsibility for those around you. Talk about God in your routine conversations so that telling of His work in your life will seem as normal as talking about the weather. Be sensitive to opportunities for speaking a good word about Jesus. Cultivate relationships with non-Christian friends. Intentionally pray for the lost. Walk through your neighborhood, meet your neighbors and pray for them.
3. Offer Yourself for Service
Next, offer yourself for service to God. Often we are convinced that we have little ability to offer the Lord, but what He is looking for is our availability. My wife and I used to sing, “Little is Much When God is in It.” The song’s message conveys that God will bless what we give to Him in humble service.
4. Immerse Yourself in the Word
Then immerse yourself in the Word. Study God’s Word on a daily basis, praying for understanding and application. Ask your pastor for recommendations on what to read that will assist you in learning more about the Bible. Memorize simple verses that tell the gospel story. Continue to store the Word in your mind and heart so you can tell others about Christ.
5. Acquire Training
Finally, take training to equip yourself to be more effective in communicating your faith. A course in evangelism could help you increase your comfort level in communicating the gospel, help you stay on track while presenting the message, give clarity as to when to introduce Christ into a conversation, and give you opportunity to tell your own story. Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, defined successful witnessing as “taking the initiative to share Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God.”
I heard a young man tell how one of his business associates asked if he was sure he would go to heaven if he died suddenly. The young man had no assurance, and before he left his co-worker’s office he had asked Christ into his heart. On the same day I heard him tell his story he also announced plans to enroll in seminary. One person made a difference, and one life was changed. Society can be changed—one person at a time. •
Ronald D. Kelly is General Editor for The Wesleyan Church, Indianapolis, Ind.
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