Earthly Pragmatism

Modern Christianity (at least in North America) is beset with an allegiance to “Earthly Pragmatism”. I feel the pull. It is strong riptide in our cultural waters.

I’ll define it as:

The inclination to take a pragmatic route in matters of difficulty because you cannot imagine how God can solve it otherwise”

It looks like…

Let’s put some flesh on those bones. Where might we find an urge towards earthly pragmatism?

• If I don’t vote for this person our country will fall to pieces and the gospel will be threatened
• If I don’t pay the bribe the needed medicine won’t make it
• If I speak up it will ruin a relationship and God will not be able to preserve it
• If I don’t compromise with this unethical business decision I will be fired and my family will suffer when I won’t be able to provide
• If I don’t murder this man, other evil will surely happen

Scripture is FILLED with examples: Sarah giving her handmaiden to Abraham, David taking a census, Peter cutting off the ear, and many more.

Two Components of Earthly Pragmatism

1. Moral equivocation and compromise on our part
2. Lack of faith in God’s sovereign plan and provision

When we can’t imagine how sticking to the God-honoring path can work, we show incredible arrogance and lack of trust in God’s ultimate plan. Now, the good news is that God even uses our sinful decision for his ultimate plan. But that doesn’t strip us of the responsibility to make the right choice and trust that God will ultimately provide.

So, put off the Pagan Pragmatism and put on faith in God your heavenly father who cares for you. We are too shortsighted to do otherwise.

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