Sides

Midge Decter, a writer with whom I am completely unfamiliar, is credited with my favorite quote of the week: “Join the side you’re on.”  If that’s a bit too on-the-nose for you, allow me to supply some context.

Everyone chooses sides.  Politics, sports, geeks vs. jocks, we generally find ourselves on one side or another of many if not most cultural battles.  That’s to be expected; nothing wrong with that.  But the expectation is that our behavior will reflect our allegiance.  You can’t be a Cowboys fan in Giants gear.

Battle lines have been drawn up in our culture.  Organizations and individuals have made their choices.  Hobby Lobby.  ESPN.  Chick Fil-A.  Hollywood.  They have all come under intense scrutiny for actually joining the side they are on.  They are lending support to those with whom they share a philosophy.  Well, why shouldn’t they?  Why wouldn’t they?

My issue is with Christians who profess allegiance to Jesus while supporting the lifestyles, language and trendsetters of the world.  Paul quotes Isaiah 52:11 when he exhorts, “’Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘And do not touch what is unclean’” (2 Corinthians 6:17).  As the analogy of holy and unholy food in Haggai 2:11-14 illustrates, it is far easier to make a clean thing dirty than the other way around.

At some point, Christians are going to have to join the side they are on.  Don’t let me or anyone else tell you precisely when and where that “point” is.  But it exists.  Eventually, passive Christianity has to be seen for what it is: lending aid and comfort to the enemy.