Remaining Separate: Resisting the Pull of Progressive Ideologies from the World

 

*_Remaining Separate: Resisting the Pull of Progressive Ideologies from the World_*

In recent times, the push to establish the so-called _"Woke ideology"_ has become more rampant, especially within the Western culture. This term is used to describe a progressive and socially conscious worldview that prioritizes social justice, equality, and inclusivity. However it also includes Climate change, Gender identity, Same-sex rights and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and the preferences of personal pronouns.

As followers of Christ, we are called to navigate the currents of this world with discernment and wisdom, resisting the allure of worldly progressive ideologies that contradict the principles of God's kingdom.

From a biblical standpoint, we must be cautious of the following aspects of this ideology:

- *Climate change*: While we are called to be good stewards of God's creation (Genesis 1:28), we must not worship the earth or elevate it above our worship of God (Exodus 20:3-5).

- *Gender identity*: God created us male and female (Genesis 1:27), and we must not attempt to change or redefine our gender (Deuteronomy 22:5).

- *Same-sex rights and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights*: The Bible clearly teaches that sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage between a man and woman (Hebrews 13:4), and we must not condone or promote sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).

- *Preferences of personal pronouns*: We must not compromise our language to accommodate sinful desires (Proverbs 10:11), but instead speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

The progressive worldview espouses ideologies that often oppose the timeless truths of Scripture. *"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."* (Romans 12:2). We are called to renew our minds according to God's Word, not conform to the shifting ideologies of this world.

Those who are absorbed in progressive ideologies often exhibit protest and arrogance, rejecting the authority of God and His timeless truths. *"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate."* (Proverbs 8:13). Pride and arrogance lead to rebellion against God, fostering a spirit of contention and defiance.

The worldview of the world will always differ from that of the Christian. *"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit."* (Rom 8:5). As Christians, we are called to live by the Spirit and set our minds on heavenly things, not conforming to the patterns of this world.

Our identity as Christians should be distinct from the values and ideologies of the world. *"If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you."* (John 15:19). We are called to be lights in the darkness, reflecting the truth and love of Christ in a world that is increasingly distant from God's ways.

Let us stand firm in our faith and resist the pull of progressive ideologies that contradict the Word of God. May we embrace the values of the kingdom of God, living counter-culturally and shining brightly as witnesses of His truth and grace in a world that desperately needs Him.