Missionary Minds

It is important that we as Christians consider our role within the political sphere of our Country. Our faith is not confined to the pews of our church; rather, it should infiltrate every facet of our lives, including our engagement with our Country and its politics. What, then, are our responsibilities as Christians in this domain? As Christians, it is vital to understand the distinction between what we must do and what we may do concerning government. Let me give you six of each to consider.

In February of 2024, the Government of Zimbabwe sent out a press statement strongly rejecting the efforts that foreign nations have made to ensnare its citizens into homosexual behaviour through the offers of educational scholarships. Like other African nations such as Uganda, Zimbabwe firmly condemns Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender activities. Zimbabwe opposes the viewpoint of several neighbouring countries, namely South Africa and Mozambique, both of which promote significant LGBT protections. How should Christians think around this? Especially when a historically evil nation like Zimbabwe does something right.

... Since engagement isn't marriage and all sexual activity is reserved for marriage (1Cor. 7:1-9; Hb. 13:4; Mt. 5:28), then engaged couples should refrain from all sexual activity. The numbers are dipping, but the majority of evangelicals would still probably agree that this includes sexual intercourse.But what about making out? Is that reserved for married couples too?...

Where lies the most perilous domain on Earth in our time? Is it within radical Islamic states or amidst gang-ridden urban communities? No, the womb, intended as a sanctuary of life, has become the most treacherous place on earth. Consider Zambia, where numerous abortions are carried out under the guise of women's rights and gender equality. Across the globe, millions of unborn lives are intentionally ended each year in the name of justice and freedom. Make no mistake, feminism has produced the greatest genocide in the history of the world. Christians have the great responsibility to be a holy people who are in the business of saving lives that are in danger of being exterminated. What might this look like practically?

Godly men are called to fight, but they must pick their fights prudently. “Fight the good fight of the faith,” Paul said (1Tm. 6:12). “I have fought the good fight,” were his last words (2Tm. 4:7). This differs from today’s 11th Commandment: Thou shalt be nice. Break this command and you’ll incur the world’s wrath. How should Christian men go about fighting? Consider the following principles.

Christians have an awesome responsibility to vote according to Christian principles derived from God’s word. For democracy to work effectively it relies on an informed electorate. For this reason, Christians need to be biblically literate on how to best vote even if that vote amounts to choosing the lesser of evils. So, what are some biblical principles South African believers, or any believers for that matter, need to consider before going to the polls in the near future? Here are just three thoughts to remember before you vote.

I have often said that Africa has so many churches that you can buy two for a penny. Despite the numerous churches we see around us, it seems to me that there is very little impact on our communities. I am concerned with the lack of growth and maturity among many who carry their Bibles every Sunday morning but don't seem to learn from them, let alone read them. Churches are being planted daily on the continent of Africa, especially in the era of self-appointed pastors and prophets

You can determine God’s calling by asking three questions. First, what are your desires? What do you long to do? The first qualification of a pastor is that he “desires” the office (1Tm. 3:1). Paul longed to preach (1Cor. 9:16) and Jeremiah said he was like a volcano ready to burst if he stopped preaching (Jer. 20:9). Matthew Henry said that when we make God our heart’s delight, then we’ll have our heart’s desire. When considering a call to the mission field this is one of the many principles that should be considered.

Many have been asking lately, ‘Should a Christian attend a gay wedding?’  The biblical answer is extremely nuanced and highly complex:  Never, no, not under any circumstances.  In the eyes of God and according to His Word, any such pseudo-wedding is an abominable, blasphemous, profaning of marriage and a pagan celebration of the sodomy that destroys lives, ruins society, makes a mockery of Christ, and merits eternal punishment.

Recently Nigerians considered boycotting a milk company for insensitive remarks they made about the death of Christ. Boycotting is not new to Africa. During the 1970s and 80s, countries around the world boycotted South African goods as a way to oppose apartheid. This is not only a Christian issue. Today, the Muslim association UUCSA is calling on South Africans to boycott Jewish-owned companies like Dis-Chem. The pro-Palestine organization BDS is encouraging South Africans to boycott Puma for sponsoring the Israel Football Association. How should Christians think about boycotting immoral businesses? Is boycotting biblical? Consider the following six principles.