Randy Alcorn was asked a question about “how believers should deal with a culture that is increasingly hostile to Christianity." I greatly appreciated his response as he focused on four key truths from Scripture.

First, Jesus was persecuted and treated unfairly. Disciples ought to expect the same (Jn. 15:20). Though Alcorn appreciates those organizations who work to protect religious liberty and religious rights, he is “concerned if we view ourselves as one more special interest group, clinging to entitlements and whining when people don’t like us. God’s people have a long history of not being liked.”

Second, as Christians, our lives are marked by the gospel we communicate, so when we speak the truth we do so in love and with kindness (Rom. 12:18).

Third, no matter how kind and gracious we are in speech and life, the gospel offends (1 Pet. 4:12).

Fourth, we ultimately seek to please the Lord and no one else. What other people think or say does not deter us from honoring the Lord by our speech and life (Gal. 1:10). He is the One to whom we will give an account, no one else.

What about you? How would you answer this question?