Have you seen the following advice that some wag recently offered? “Life is short,” he wrote, “so be sure to spend as much time as possible on the internet arguing about controversial subjects with family members, friends, and total strangers.”
I hope that individual was being facetious. But sadly, way too many people actually are content to trash their time for that which counts for little or nothing. I remember once reading about a woman who had gotten hooked on an interactive website of absolutely no value. “What an incredible waste of time,” she wrote. “I love it!”
Years ago a songwriter adapted the words of the famous poem “Only One Life” by C. T. Studd, the great missionary to China, as follows:
The days pass so swiftly
The months come and go
The years melt away
Like new falling snow
Spring turns to summer
Then summer to fall
Autumn brings winter
Then death come to all.
Only one life
So soon it will pass
Only what’s done for Christ will last
Only one chance to do His will
So give to Jesus all your days
It’s the only life that pays.
HOW DO WE MAKE LIFE COUNT? What should our basic purpose in life be? It’s hard to improve on this simple yet profound life charter: “To Know Christ and to Make Him Known.”
CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS addresses both the matter of Jesus’ claims and identity (knowing Christ), and the matter of relevant evangelism (making Him known). Christian apologetics reinforces the foundations of faith and values in culture. Neglecting the infrastructure of faith leaves morality and social mores suspended in mid-air — until the moment they all come crashing down. There’s just no viable, really convincing way to drive on for justice and equality, for biblical sexuality, or for pro-life standards when the bridge of truth is washed out.
To say this all another way — as critical as battling the cultural hot spots of the day may be, pursuing that approach on its own will never suffice.
Fortunately, we don’t have to choose between the apologetics and social action. We can do both.
Here at AIIA, we’re happy to spend time fulfilling our own particular role in the great battle. Fortifying the case for historic Christian truth. Pointing people to Jesus. Making every day count. Keeping an eye on eternity. Thanks to many of you for continuing to align with us in the work.
