A.R. Bernard: The Three Sectors Of Society (Part 1)
May 14, 2019
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A.R. Bernard, a dynamic speaker at City Harvest Church, shares compelling insights on the intersection of faith and societal sectors: government, not-for-profit, and for-profit. He emphasizes that every believer is a missionary with a moral duty to enhance the common good. Topics include the influence of film on worldviews, the importance of communal responsibility in faith, and strategies for balancing profit with principles. Bernard brilliantly advocates for Christians to use their talents to foster equitable growth and support marginalized communities.
Every believer serves as a missionary across three societal sectors: government, not-for-profit, and for-profit, promoting the common good.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of engaging with culture without compromising faith, as illustrated by the Jewish experience in Babylonian exile.
Christians are urged to embody 'Tikkun Olam' by actively contributing to societal welfare, reinforcing their role in community betterment.
Deep dives
Understanding the Marketplace
The concept of the marketplace goes beyond mere transactions of goods and services; it encompasses the exchange of ideas, values, and philosophies that shape societal norms. This space serves as a platform for various opinions to coexist and be challenged, reflecting deeper cultural values that may not be immediately apparent. For instance, a clothing company's controversial designs can elicit significant public backlash, demonstrating how products can symbolize broader social ideologies. Thus, the marketplace plays a critical role in shaping cultural discourse and societal norms through these exchanges.
Cultural Assimilation and Identity
The experience of the Jewish people in Babylonian exile illustrates the challenges of cultural assimilation while maintaining one's identity. God instructed the exiles to settle and seek the welfare of the city, emphasizing that their prosperity would depend on the city's well-being. This reflects a call for active participation in society while navigating a context that may challenge their beliefs. Engaging with the culture around them, without compromising their faith, reinforced the importance of understanding and adapting to their surroundings to thrive.
Christian Responsibility in Society
Christians are called to embody the concept of 'Tikkun Olam,' or repairing the world, which emphasizes responsibility towards both personal and societal welfare. This principle urges believers not only to care for their spiritual needs but also to contribute positively to the community they are part of. Scriptures like Jeremiah 29 encourage individuals to build relationships with those around them, promoting social contributions that benefit all. This approach reinforces the idea that the Christian mission includes being actively involved in societal betterment.
The Challenge of Assimilation
Assimilation poses significant questions about how Christians can engage with societies that often hold contrasting values and beliefs. Individuals must discern how to balance their faith with cultural integration while identifying what makes them distinct in a secular environment. Members of the early church grappled with similar issues, needing to navigate their interactions without compromising their core beliefs. This ongoing conversation remains relevant today as Christians weigh their roles in diverse marketplaces, often requiring careful reflection and guidance.
The Importance of Values and Mission
Engaging in the marketplace effectively requires a clear understanding of personal values and motives that drive one’s actions. Whether drawing from public service, humanitarianism, or profit, individuals must align their careers with a broader sense of purpose informed by faith. The implications extend to ethical decision-making within various sectors, where Christians are encouraged to uphold the common good while pursuing success. Ultimately, recognizing one's calling and the impact of their work on society underscores the significance of values in shaping personal and communal outcomes.
Every believer is a missionary, and there are three mission fields in the world that correspond to three sectors: government, not-for-profit and for-profit. As Christians we have a moral responsibility to the common good of the society we live in. In this thought-provoking message, Dr AR Bernard explains why and how God uses Christians bring equity to society.
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