Thriving in a World That Challenges Your Faith: A Bold Christian's Guide
- TBenton
- Jun 10
- 13 min read
Updated: Jun 11
In the world of today, being a Christian can feel like a daunting task. The values and beliefs that once held a significant place in society are often met with skepticism or hostility.
How can we navigate these challenges while staying true to our faith? This guide offers practical tips and encouragement for Christians striving to maintain their beliefs in a world that frequently challenges them.
Understand the Landscape
Recognizing the cultural landscape we are living in is crucial. Over recent decades, society has shifted. "According to a recent Gallup poll, 54% of Americans say the state of moral values in the country is “poor”—a record number. Some 83% say they believe morals are in decline." (Wilcox, 2023).
Concepts of truth and right versus wrong, once predominantly understood through an objective lens, have increasingly become perceived as subjective in contemporary society. This evolution in thinking reflects a broader cultural shift where individual perspectives and personal experiences are often prioritized over universally accepted moral standards. Such a transformation can be particularly daunting for Christians who adhere steadfastly to the absolute truths and moral guidelines outlined in their faith.
For many believers, the teachings of the Bible and the doctrines of Christianity serve as an unwavering foundation, providing clear directives on what constitutes proper behavior and true belief.
However, as society moves towards a more relativistic viewpoint, where morality can vary significantly from person to person, Christians may find themselves grappling with feelings of uncertainty and disorientation. This tension between the objective truths of their faith and the subjective interpretations prevalent in modern discourse can lead to challenges in articulating their beliefs and engaging with a world that often questions or outright rejects the existence of absolute moral truths. The struggle to maintain one's convictions in the face of such shifting paradigms can foster a sense of isolation and confusion, prompting deeper reflection on the nature of truth and the role of faith in navigating a complex moral landscape.
Engaging in discussions means understanding this landscape. Keeping an understanding and respectful stance while still holding firm to your beliefs is possible. We must remember that just as something happened to convince us of the goodness and correctness of the Word of God, something probably occurred to cause the unbeliever to feel God was not there in their own lives.
Equip yourself with knowledge of the Word of God and about contemporary issues such as abortion, conflicts, marriage, and equality. By being informed, you can articulate your beliefs in a relevant and respectful way.
Cultivate a Strong Foundation
Having a solid foundation in your faith is essential. In an age characterized by rapid change and uncertainty, nurturing a deep and abiding relationship with God becomes increasingly crucial.
Consistent prayer is one of the most vital practices for developing this foundation. Through prayer, individuals communicate with God, express their thoughts and feelings, seek guidance, and cultivate peace and connection to the divine. This regular dialogue enhances spiritual growth and provides comfort and reassurance in times of trouble.
In addition to prayer, reading scripture is crucial in reinforcing one's faith. The Bible serves as a guide, offering wisdom, encouragement, and teachings that are relevant to everyday life. By immersing oneself in the Word, believers can better understand God’s character, His promises, and the principles that govern a life of faith. This practice allows individuals to reflect on their beliefs and apply biblical teachings to their circumstances, fostering spiritual maturity and resilience.
Also, fellowship with other believers is an indispensable aspect of a strong faith foundation. Engaging with a community of like-minded individuals provides support, accountability, and encouragement.
Participating in group worship, Bible studies, church activities, or simply breaking bread with one another creates opportunities for sharing experiences, discussing challenges, and celebrating victories together. This communal aspect of faith strengthens individual commitments to Christ and fosters a sense of belonging and unity within the body of believers. As members uplift one another, they collectively grow in their understanding and practice of faith, creating a vibrant and nurturing environment for spiritual development.
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2 ESV).
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you." (John 15:18-19 ESV).
God calls us to live in the world but not to be part of the world. This profound statement encapsulates a fundamental aspect of many spiritual teachings, emphasizing the distinction between engaging with the world around us and allowing ourselves to be consumed by its values, distractions, and moral ambiguities.
Living in the world implies that we are to exist within the framework of society, interacting with its people, participating in its activities, and fulfilling our responsibilities as members of our communities. It is a call to be active participants in life, to love, serve, and contribute positively to the lives of others.
However, the phrase "not to be part of the world" is a crucial reminder that while we may engage with the world, we should maintain spiritual integrity and moral clarity. This means resisting the temptations and influences that may lead us away from our core values and beliefs.
It invites us to reflect on our priorities and how we can navigate a landscape filled with conflicting messages and ethical dilemmas. The challenge lies in finding a balance between being a light in the world and not allowing the darkness of worldly concerns to dim our spiritual light.
Practically, this might look like participating in community service, advocating for justice, and spreading kindness while remaining grounded in our spiritual principles. It encourages us to build relationships and foster connections that uplift and inspire, while discerning the influences we allow into our lives. By embodying a lifestyle that reflects our beliefs, we can influence those around us positively, demonstrating that it is possible to exist in the world without compromising our values.
This calling challenges us to cultivate a strong sense of identity rooted in our faith or spiritual beliefs, allowing us to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and grace.
Through prayer, reflection, and community support, we can strengthen our resolve to live authentically, embodying the teachings we hold dear while engaging with the world in meaningful ways. In this journey, we find our purpose and a deeper connection to the divine, reminding us that we are called to be in the world as agents of love and change, yet distinctly set apart by the principles we choose to uphold.
Engage with Genuine Confidence
Living confidently in your faith means being prepared to address challenging questions thoughtfully and respectfully. Here are some helpful strategies:
Listen Actively: When discussing beliefs, listen attentively. Active listening can foster better communication and understanding, improving relationships. It is essential to listen to the thoughts and opinions of others to gauge a proper understanding of their belief system. Here are a couple of links with tips on improving your active listening skills:
https://www.smart-union.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Active-Listening-Techniques-Handout.pdf
https://nesfp.nutrition.tufts.edu/sites/default/files/resources/active_listening_tips_sheet.pdf
Share Personal Experiences: Discuss how your faith has positively influenced your life. For example, you might share how volunteering has helped to improve your life, or how prayer has helped you overcome a difficult situation. Your testimonies and personal stories resonate and can encourage open dialogues about faith.
Be Open to Questions: Approach difficult conversations with curiosity. Invite others to ask questions and explore ideas, allowing for authentic discussions and relationship building. Ensure you have the understanding to answer these questions, and if you do not know the answer, be willing to quickly access your Bible or a Bible App to find information. Just as people Google questions to receive answers, the Bible is right there, ready to illuminate and guide you.
Photo courtesy of Freepik
Build a Supportive Community
Feeling isolated can weaken your faith. Building relationships with like-minded believers is vital. Join local churches, Bible study groups, or community service projects. Studies show that individuals involved in supportive communities experience decreased stress and increased happiness.
Engage in community activities, which allow you to share your faith in action and demonstrate your commitment to living out the principles of your beliefs. These activities serve as a tangible expression of your values and can significantly impact both your life and the lives of others.
For instance, participating in a food drive provides fellowship among fellow believers and community members and showcases Christian love to the broader community. By coming together to collect, sort, and distribute food items, you embody the teachings of compassion and generosity central to the Christian faith.
Also, participating in community activities like food drives can highlight the importance of social justice and caring for the less fortunate, critical aspects of Christian teaching. It encourages you to reflect on the needs of your community and inspires you to take action to address those needs. By actively contributing to these efforts, you help alleviate hunger and raise awareness about the issues many face in your area, prompting others to join in and make a difference.
In essence, engaging in such community service activities enriches your spiritual journey. It reinforces the idea that faith is not just a private matter but a call to action in the world around you. It serves as a reminder that through acts of kindness and service, you can be a beacon of hope and love, reflecting the heart of your faith in practical ways that resonate deeply within the community.
Practice Grace and Forgiveness
Practicing grace and forgiveness is crucial in a divided world, where conflicts and misunderstandings often arise, creating barriers between individuals and communities.
Christians are called to embody love and forgiveness, even when it may feel particularly challenging. This call to action is not merely a suggestion; it is a fundamental aspect of our faith that encourages us to rise above our differences and seek harmony. Embracing grace does not imply that we should overlook or ignore our disagreements; instead, it emphasizes the importance of responding with kindness and compassion, even when faced with opposing viewpoints.
When confronted with differing opinions, adopting a mindset of understanding and empathy can be beneficial. A simple yet powerful approach is acknowledging the other person's perspective by saying, “I understand your perspective.” This phrase serves as a bridge, opening the door for constructive dialogue and fostering an atmosphere of respect.
Following this acknowledgment, you can express your viewpoint, ensuring the conversation remains balanced and respectful. For instance, you might say, “I understand your perspective, and I see where you’re coming from. However, I believe that…” This method models grace and reflects Christ’s love in your interactions, demonstrating that engaging in discussions without resorting to hostility or resentment is possible.
Moreover, practicing grace and forgiveness can profoundly affect our relationships and communities. When we respond with love rather than anger, we create an environment where healing can occur. This is particularly important in a world that often feels polarized and contentious. By embodying grace, we become agents of change, inspiring others to do the same. Our actions can testify to the power of forgiveness and its transformative impact on hearts and minds. In this way, we honor our faith and contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society.
Additionally, it is essential to remember that grace and forgiveness are not one-time acts but ongoing practices that require an intentional effort. It may be helpful to reflect on our experiences of grace and forgiveness, recognizing how we have been recipients of such kindness. This reflection can deepen our empathy and motivate us to extend the same grace to others. It is not always easy, but as we navigate the complexities of human relationships, let us strive to be vessels of Christ's love. Let's actively seek opportunities to practice grace and forgiveness daily.
Stay Informed and Educated
In discussions about faith, knowledge is vital. Stay updated on social, political, and ethical issues related to Christianity. I am a relatively new Christian, so I am intent on reading scripture, various books, listening to podcasts, and exploring online resources, which can enhance your perspective. I have listed some of my resources in the Links section at the end of this article.
The YouVersion Bible app is an excellent starting point for reading scripture and offers a wide variety of Bible reading plans from which to choose. You can find this Bible app and also access YouVersion Bible resources here:
Staying informed and educated is essential for us to openly and honestly discuss our faith. Staying active in causes that promote freedom of religion is another essential way we stay informed and up to date on this important topic. As the world increasingly objects to the Christian faith, it is more important than ever to join in the effort to protect religious rights.
It is also essential to familiarize yourself with opposing viewpoints. This practice prepares you to articulate your beliefs more effectively and can deepen your empathy, making conversations less combative and more enriching. Understanding the history behind political issues is crucial to consider all sides of the problem fully. Understanding issues like secularism and moral challenges allows you to respond thoughtfully and be grounded in scripture.
Shine Your Light in the Darkness
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 NIV).
As Christians, we are called to be light in the world. Our words and actions should reflect our values and the characteristics of Jesus as taught to us through God's Word. Christians should act and react as beacons of light and hope in a dark world.
For example, we were recently offered an opportunity to go on a mission trip to Israel with fellow Christian friends. Due to the current war in Israel, this trip has been postponed for a little while, but we look forward to going on this mission and sharing our beliefs and experiences as well as learning about and listening to the stories of the Israeli people. We are praying to be a light during a dark time for them.
God instructs us to be a light in the dark. I am often told that people notice that I always see the positive in any situation. I won an award for this very thing at work! Sometimes, people think my sunny disposition is due to my own life and making my own way, but I can tell you, it is 100% due to my faith, my love of God, and my obedience to His will. I want to be a light to people because I truly understand the darkness of this world and how easy it is to get lost in that darkness.
Count Your Blessings
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV).
Challenges and times of trouble will come throughout our lives, but when we remember that God is in control and has a plan for each of us, we are better able to see the blessings all around us during difficult times.
Several years ago, my husband and I suffered many hardships, and they came one right after another. I found myself in despair and began focusing on these hardships rather than the many blessings in our lives.
I had suffered knee injuries requiring surgery, and my husband suffered rotator cuff injuries and was in constant pain. These things affected both the work we could do, our income, and our daily activities. These things became a continual source of stress for me, but as I dove deeper into the Bible, I found comfort in many verses, particularly Philippians 4:6-7 and Romans 5:3-5.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV).
"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5, NIV).
After reading and reflecting on Scripture, I could see so many blessings I could not see before. This is the goodness of God's Word. Not only does it provide instructions for living the healthiest life physically, mentally, and spiritually, but it also provides comfort and produces reasons for gratitude.
For example, though my husband and I were both injured, we were blessed to have outstanding health insurance. This blessing meant we could seek medical help at a very low cost. Another blessing during this time was that the Orthopedic Surgeon who performed my knee surgery was the same surgeon who worked for our Major League Baseball (MLB) team and had performed surgeries on many famous sports players. So, rather than focusing on my painful knees and the trouble they caused, I found comfort in that my surgeon was very well qualified. He did a fantastic job with my surgery, and I had a quick and safe recovery. Another blessing! ❤️
My point is that when you start looking for blessings, you will find more than you ever dreamed possible. I love sharing these sorts of stories with people, and hopefully, my testimony of finding blessings will help others find their blessings, even when facing dark times. This sort of engagement with those feeling lost is a way to give hope and allow people to see the glory of God and what He can do in our lives.
Moving Forward with Faith
Keeping your Christian faith strong in a world that may feel increasingly hostile is challenging but rewarding. By understanding the cultural landscape, laying a strong foundation, engaging confidently, sharing stories and testimonies of faith, and fostering community, you can face these challenges with grace.
Together, let’s thrive as we count our blessings and reflect Christ in all we do. By reflecting the hope, grace, forgiveness, mercy, blessings, and love of God, in our lives we honor God, stay true to our faith, and become a light of hope in this increasingly dark world.
Here's to your Blissful Faith! ❤️
T. Benton
Owner & Writer @Blissful-Faith.org
Copyright © 2025 Blissful-Faith.org. All Rights Reserved.
Links to More Information on Christianity in the Modern World:
https://www.paultripp.com/ask-paul-tripp/posts/how-do-i-live-as-a-christian-in-a-non-christian-world
Links for Christian Resources You Might Enjoy:
Resources:
Read the bible online. A free bible on your phone, tablet, or computer.: The bible app. YouVersion | The Bible App | Bible.com. (n.d.-a). https://www.bible.com/
Wilcox, C. (2023, June 9). People everywhere believe society’s morals are in decline | science | AAAS. People everywhere believe society’s morals are in decline. https://www.science.org/content/article/people-everywhere-believe-society-s-morals-are-decline
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