“You’re out of order.”
They’d say it so fast, barely glancing at the scratch paper you brought to their desk in math class. “You’re out of order. Try again.”
The formula for solving algebraic equations went something like this: “Please excuse my dear aunt, Sally,” which stood for parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction – PEMDAS for short. Do you remember the frustrated tears that may or may not have fallen from your eyes because you forgot the right order of operations again?
Now, quickly scan today’s headlines and consider today’s culture. Even though we’re not solving equations, doesn’t it feel like we’re out of order?
I ask because a dear friend sent this my way. It’s from a 2018 "Good Morning America" segment. In it, a little boy walks the runway as a little girl. And apparently, his parents were OK with it, as was the audience, who clapped and offered shouts of encouragement.
Is this OK? Or are we out of order?
Have you seen this headline about minor-attracted people? An unthinkable term 10 short years ago. Back then, we used an equally nasty phrase, the man-boy love association, but the whole thing was kept out of the public eye. Now? Pedophiles have been normalized by the UN. And they don’t care if you know.
Lest we think we’re off the hook here in our Sweet Home, there’s this:
Obviously, like me, and maybe you, and our past math equations, today’s culture is out of order.
But how do we set things right?
The answer comes down to worldview. We must “defend the best model for human dignity and freedom that’s out there, and that is the biblical worldview,” Dr. Everett Piper said on The Alisa Childers Podcast.
A biblical worldview, like all worldviews, answers four universal questions. The way we answer those questions becomes our order of operations, akin to the acronym we use in algebra. It’s our roadmap for life, our motivation.
So what are the questions?
● What is the origin of man – where did we come from? Did we come from the swamp with no moral significance? Or from God – from whom all meaning arises – stamped with his dignity and worth?
● What is wrong with the world? Quite simply, at the fall of man, sin entered the world. Since that time, things have gone irretrievably wrong.
● Is there a solution? Yes. God became flesh and took on the sins of the world. In Him are life and redemption.
● What is my purpose? To advance Christ and His Kingdom.
Based on our answers, we have no choice but to become ambassadors for Christ – if we’re not already. And whether your life is in government or otherwise, apathetic silence is not an option.
Which also means that “the Christian faith is personal, but not private.”
Isn’t this the opposite of what too many of us have believed? That it’s personal AND private, and has no place in the public square?
To see how that worldview is lived out, think about Ann Coulter’s latest critique of pro-life laws. Yes, she’s a Republican. But these days, attacks come from the outside and from within.
According to the FLF podcast, their bottom line is that “they don’t want you to remind people that the government is actually a servant of Christ.” Instead, they want to "make it a very high cost to come out as a self-consciously Christian person in politics." Furthermore, "As long as you’re critiquing their secular liberalism [instead of acting upon your biblical worldview], that’s not dangerous to them at all. Because you’re granting their basic presuppositions that Christ has nothing to say here.”
But Christ does, and He has placed us here for this time, to be used by Him, armed with a biblical worldview to advance His kingdom.
In "Paradise Restored,” author David Chilton writes:
Christians are taught to long for escape from the world and its probes rather than for what God’s Word promises us, which is dominion.
How common it is to hear Christians say, when confronted, I sure hope the Rapture comes soon! Rather than, let's get to work on the solution right now.
This dangerous error teaches God's people to expect defeat.
This is a simple reminder. We are in a war. Defeat is not an option. Silence is not a choice.
If Christ and His Word don't govern our world, if we don't offer ourselves as ambassadors, armed with the truth, in the public square, and yes, in private, we will continue to be controlled by someone or something else.
Marxism.
Communism.
Socialism.
Sexual proclivities.
Take your pick. Someone's worldview will dominate.
The question is, whose will it be?
“For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise…. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” –Esther 4:14
Amie Beth Shaver is a speaker, writer and media commentator. Her column appears every Wednesday in 1819 News. Shaver served on the Alabama GOP State Executive Committee, was a candidate for State House District 43 and spokeswoman for Allied Women.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com.
