Are Christians Too Sheltered?

Christians, as a whole, come from widely diverse backgrounds and locations. It would be impossible to say that all Christians live sheltered lives, but in America many Christians do fit this description. In fact, some Christians have experienced little else. They raised sheltered in a Christian home surrounded by Christian friends while attending Christian schools. They may then choose to go into ministry. They have never had the opportunity to see life through the eyes of someone with different life experiences. This can make them naïve to the challenges that others may have faced.

Being sheltered can also be a choice. Some choose to shelter themselves, or their children, fearing exposure to a society with decreasing moral standards and hostility toward Christian values. These people attempt to preserve spiritual purity by withdrawing from the surrounding culture. These people become highly involved at church which provides a safe environment service opportunities and social engagement. There is nothing wrong with being involved in the Christian community. It is something all Christians fundamentally need. However, isn’t the outside world our mission field? If we are neglecting to build relationships and serve the community outside of the church how are we able to share the goodness of Christ with those who desperately need it the most?

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 

Romans 10:13-14

When we limit our exposure to people outside the Christian faith we lose perspective. It causes the development of “groupthink”. Our view of others whose beliefs conflict with our own becomes narrow-minded, biased, and overly simplistic.

“Groupthink is a psychological phenomenon in which people strive for consensus within a group. In many cases, people will set aside their own personal beliefs or adopt the opinion of the rest of the group. It tends to occur more in situations where group members are very similar to one another. When there is strong group identity, members of the group tend to perceive their group as correct or superior while expressing disdain or disapproval toward people outside of the group.”

 Kendra Cherry, MSEd

This uniform way of thinking prevents us from seeing the unique challenges others may face. We stop seeing others as the unique person God created them to be. Instead, they are reduced to a label which causes us to draw wrong conclusions or hold unrealistic expectations. If we are out-of-touch with their world we lack credibility, which prevents us from engaging them in any meaningful way. Jesus didn’t separate himself from those in need. Instead, he spent time in places among sinners and even shared meals with them. Through these interactions they came to see who Jesus really was and their lives were forever changed.

God’s people are called to be holy (or set apart), but this refers to the conduct of our lives not our proximity to sinners. God doesn’t want us to separate ourselves from the world. Rather, we are to stand out from the world holding the light of his truth for the world to see.

 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

We must tow a thin line- being in the world without being of the world. This means finding a delicate balance between purity and proximity. In other words, spending more time among those outside the faith, but without compromising our Christian values.

`They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 

John 17:16-18

Engaging with those outside our Christian community teaches us how to understand, interpret, and respond to others living in a morally relativistic culture. It enables us to clearly see the unique needs they have and to respond with compassion. Everyone needs Jesus, but not everyone is aware of that need. Where should we really be spending our time and who should we be spending it with?

Kinnaman, D., & Lyons, G. (2007b). unChristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks about Christianity. . .and Why It Matters. http://ci.nii.ac.jp/ncid/BA90093159