Author: David Wilber
Modern society has invented its own means of defining morality and carrying out justice apart from God’s ways. How do we determine right from wrong? By whatever is culturally trendy, of course! How do we punish those who transgress society’s ever-changing and inconsistently enforced standards? Cancel Culture!
We can be frustrated by society’s madness, but as Christians, we shouldn’t be shocked. Messiah prophesied of the arrival of Cancel Culture. He warned us that the love of many would grow cold because of lawlessness (Matthew 24:11). As our world drifts further and further away from the moral values expressed in God’s word, people will become more unforgiving, spiteful, and malicious.
How do we respond to Cancel Culture as Christians? First, we expect it. Paul said, “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). If you stand boldly upon the truth of the Gospel, the world will oppose you. Some people will call you a bigot. You will probably lose out on professional opportunities. Your very life may even become endangered someday because of the truth you live and proclaim. Brace yourself.
Second, we don’t fear Cancel Culture:
Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled. (1 Peter 3:13-14)
If people on social media unfriend us or we lose a job or whatever, so be it. We don't need to fear the world’s rejection and hate because we have peace in the Messiah who has already overcome the world (John 16:33).
Third, we learn how to defend our beliefs:
[B]ut in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (1 Peter 3:15-16)
Society’s madness provides us with opportunities to really know what we believe and why and how to articulate the truth effectively. It provides us with opportunities to grow in patience and self-control and to be gentle and respectful, putting to shame those who try to malign us.
Finally, we embrace the opportunity to reach people. While many people are inclined toward Cancel Culture, there are also many others—not just Christians—who hate it. Living under the microscope of post-truth society, with its unreasonable standards and no possibility for redemption, is an empty and miserable existence.
The Cancel Culture crusaders are not unlike the Pharisees in Yeshua’s day, who put heavy burdens of man-made rules on everyone else while being hypocrites and not lifting a finger to help (Matthew 23:4). Everything they do is to be seen by others, another characteristic of the Pharisees (Matthew 23:5). These Cancel Culture crusades are nothing but meaningless virtual signaling. Normal people will get sick of it. They already are.
What an excellent opportunity to show people the hope and love offered through Messiah! Modern society hates you and won’t hesitate to cancel you if you dare deviate slightly from their ever-evolving cultural trends. But Yeshua loves you and won’t hesitate to forgive you and give you new life when you repent. Instead of canceling you, He has canceled your record of debt that stood against you, forgiving you (Colossians 2:14).
What a glorious truth! What a wonderful hope we have in the midst of a cold and bitter world!
About David Wilber
David is first and foremost a passionate follower of Yeshua the Messiah. He is also a writer, speaker, and teacher.
David’s heart is to minister to God’s people by helping them rediscover the validity and blessing of God’s Torah and help prepare them to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope within them (1 Peter 3:15)…