Rugged Pursuit
Withdraw to the Wilderness
Lighthouses & Bomb Shelters
“Christians are to be a beacon of hope, not a bunker of doom. Don’t hunker down and hold tight. Instead, shine bright and reach out.”
“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
What type of Christian do you want to be? There are two approaches, in particular, that I want you to consider. One path will open up the door for you to influence others, but brings with it a certain amount of risk to yourself. The other will keep outside influences at bay, but keeps you relatively safe from infection.
There is an attitude I have noticed in Christian circles and among churches. I will not call it a trend because trends are usually temporary. This point of view is something that has been around a long time. I remember this philosophy from as early as childhood. It does not permeate all churches or believers, but it is still prevalent amongst our Christian culture. I will call it “Bomb Shelter Theology”.
Bomb Shelter Theology
Bomb Shelter Theology is the mindset that, as Christians in a sinful world, we must separate ourselves from outside influences. It teaches us to believe we must burrow under ground to escape from anything that does not have a Christian brand on it. Anything that is not specifically labeled “Christian” is “secular” and therefore viewed as poisonous and repulsive. Secular music, movies, and people are to be avoided at all costs, lest you become contaminated by them.
Bomb Shelter Theologians can even treat other professing Christians as tainted for not prescribing to their particular denomination, views, or styles. People with differing opinions on what is acceptable for Christians to do and believe are viewed with skepticism and suspicion as to whether or not this person truly is a Christian, or just a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Instead of seeking to understand their fellow Christian’s point of view and, in turn, opening up the possibility for positive change, Bomb Shelter Theologians militantly repel the person to avoid their “dangerous” viewpoints. Like a real bomb shelter, this mindset tells us to keep far away from the perceived danger in order to wait things out and survive.
Set Apart
Now, before we go further, we should first point out the positive aspects of this approach, because I think it most often comes from good intentions. As Christians, we do want to keep our lives pure and avoid sin so that we may show ourselves worthy before a Holy God. This is an honorable pursuit.
“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15
The Bible contains several verses that discuss the concept of being set apart, or separating oneself for a specific purpose, or from worldly influences. Here are a few verses that touch on this theme, shown here in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible:
- 2 Corinthians 6:17: “Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.'”
- Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
- James 4:4: “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
- 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
- Colossians 3:2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
- Leviticus 20:26: “You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.”
- Psalm 4:3: “Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.”
These verses emphasize the idea of believers being set apart for God’s purposes, striving to live in accordance with His will, and avoiding conformity to the ways of the world. They encourage a separation from sinful or worldly influences while pursuing holiness and obedience to God.
One thing we need to remember, however, is that we need to consider God’s overall plan, and the message of the Bible in its entirety, in order to apply the scriptures to our lives. We are all susceptible to unintentionally taking verses out of context. Sometimes they are purposely, or negligently, used out of context as a way to weaponize them against our “enemies“, or to win an argument with someone that has opposing views. With that in mind, there are plenty of other passages in the Bible promoting the idea of reaching the lost, helping people in need, and befriending sinners, so these verses about being “set apart” are not the end of the story, but rather one part of God’s much bigger picture.
When our focus remains solely on the idea of being set apart, we tend to mistakenly believe we need to stay away. Sure, we want to refrain from sin, but what else might we be avoiding? Are we ignoring people who could benefit greatly from hearing about the love of Jesus? Are we prematurely writing people off based on their past habits, or even their current struggles? If their lifestyle is different from yours, do you see that as an impossible barrier or a possible opportunity? I am wondering how we will reach the world for Christ if we are completely and totally separated from it. Is there another approach that allows us to impact others, without losing our values?
Lighthouses
A lighthouse is a tall, tower-like structure situated along coastlines, cliffs, or other hazardous nautical areas, designed to emit a powerful, visible light signal. Lighthouses serve as crucial navigational aids for ships, helping them safely traverse treacherous waters and avoid dangerous obstacles like rocks and reefs, particularly during inclement weather or low visibility conditions. Lighthouses typically house powerful light sources, making it visible from great distances. Some lighthouses also may emit distinctive patterns of light or sounds, known as light characteristics or fog signals, which further assist sailors in identifying their location.
There are some really important takeaways to glean from the lighthouse’s job description. Notice how the lighthouse is strategically placed in hazardous areas. It was constructed there on purpose because assistance was so obviously needed in that area. If there were no dangers in the area, there would be no need for a lighthouse. Lighthouses become especially needed during storms and under undesirable conditions.
If a lighthouse did not emit lights and sounds in order to communicate with imperiled travelers, how would it fulfill its purpose? Do we not fall short of our own calling when we fail to communicate the Word of God to those who are unaware, at the times when they need it most?
Lighthouses light up the sea, Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12). He came to this world to save it, not condemn it (John 3:17). He is shining a light and showing us the way. In the middle of our struggles, He joins us and guides us through to safety (Romans 5:8). We can follow His example and do the same.
Shine a Light
In a world full of darkness, do not bury your head in the sand. Instead, be a lighthouse. Stand tall and shine bright so others can see. Be a beacon of light and hope for lost and weary travelers. Rather than avoiding danger, put on the full Armor of God, stand firm and confront it, thwarting its evil plans in the process.
To avoid negative influences of the world, so as to not be corrupted, make sure you have constructed a firm foundation (Matthew 7:24-27). Have a plan for delivering clear and gentle communication to those needing direction (1 Peter 3:15-16). Waves breaking against the shore do not shake the lighthouse. It was made for just this purpose. Who knows if perhaps you were made for such a purpose as this as well (Esther 4:14)?
Could you become a Lighthouse Christian to the people in your life?
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
“The Great Commission” is a command to go and make disciples of all people. In Matthew 28:16-20, Jesus has resurrected from the dead, appeared to the remaining eleven disciples, and is instructing them on their next steps, now that He will no longer be with them physically.
If Jesus was concerned solely with their safety and preservation, He could have told them to run and hide in the mountains. He could have warned them to keep quiet about what they had seen and experienced in order to avoid trouble with the religious elites. Better yet, He could have just taken them up to Heaven with Him in a chariot of fire, removing them from this sinful, fallen world. However, He did not do any of those things. Instead, Jesus tells them to go out and tell everyone the news, make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to obey all of His instructions. This strategy proved to be immeasurably effective as these eleven people started the spread of the teachings of Jesus all across the nations to the entire world.
“I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name…”
John 17:11
Once you have the knowledge of Jesus’ great love for you, and understand the sacrifice that He made in order to have a relationship with you, a natural next step is to tell someone the good news. Information this impactful cannot be kept to yourself! A light that bright is hard to miss, even in a place so dark. Hide it under a bushel? No! The message of Christ is to be relayed to everyone, regardless of social status, background, or nationality. Christianity is not a country club or a secret society. Jesus is for everyone.
Reaching Out
If Jesus instructed His disciples to go and make more disciples, I am positive He expects us to do the same. Just like He did not remove the disciples from this world when He went to the cross, He doesn’t take us to Heaven as soon as we become believers either. The Bible tells us that, though Christians continue to live in the world, they are not of the world. Eternity is promised to us as believers in Christ, but we still have work to do here on Earth.
“I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 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. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”
John 17:14-19
Here are a few verses from the Bible that talk about the importance of reaching out to others.
- James 1:27 says “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” -It is not an either/or scenario. We are to both reach out and protect ourselves from sin. These things can, and should, happen simultaneously.
- 1 Corinthians 9:22 encourages us to meet people where they are in order to save them.
- Luke 10:25-37 tells the “Parable of the Good Samaritan”, one of Jesus’ most famous teachings. This parable emphasizes the importance of helping and showing kindness to those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances. It teaches us that our “neighbor” is anyone that is in front of us that needs help.
- Proverbs 3:27-28 says “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you’— when you already have it with you.” -In other words, if you can help, then you should help. If you have life-saving knowledge, like the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and you withhold it, how can this be honoring to God?
- Galatians 6:2 tells us to “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” -When we are in relationships with people, we start to connect with them on a deeper level. We become emotionally invested in the their lives because we are living in community with them. We get to know their hurts and hangups, setting us up to be able to come alongside them in their struggles.
I encourage you to look up these verses in your Bible, or click the links to view them online, so you can read them in their entirety and in context of the whole passage.
Follow Me, As I Follow Christ
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 11:1
We are supposed to be leading by example when it comes to showing others how to live like Jesus. We cannot show Jesus to people if we are steering clear of them. As Christians, we are meant to be lighthouses; guiding others through trouble, and offering an extended hand to pull them into the lifeboat.
Sometimes we end up being bomb shelters instead, hiding from trouble and the outside world. When you hunker down, you keep everything to yourself. You can’t save others. It’s a selfish way to live. It’s survivalism rather than evangelism. It’s holding tight instead of reaching out. Christians are to be a beacon of hope, not a bunker of doom.
9.21.23
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Rugged Pursuit 
Thank you for the many scripture references! John 17 immediately jumped to my mind as I read this. It’s a good reminder that God is taking care of our protection, so our focus should not be on self-preservation, but on obedience & bringing glory to God. What joy and peace it brings to know that Jesus prayed for all who will ever believe in Him! (John 17:20)
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