Bright Lights in a Dark World: Our Culture Needs Christian Influence
 
Bright Lights in a Dark World: Our Culture Needs Christian Influence
Written By David E. Smith   |   11.04.26

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 20:7

A “blue tsunami”—that’s how political pundits are describing the preliminary midterm election results.

For many of us, it’s difficult to understand how the political pendulum could swing so dramatically from 2024 to 2026.

How could so many voters change direction, knowing the moral convictions and political ideologies of the candidates they were supporting? Or did they truly understand what they were voting for?

When voters are willing to compromise our long-term future for the sake of immediate change, it exposes how malleable our moral foundation has become—and how easily we have drifted from the Christian principles that once held us firm.

In a world increasingly hostile to biblical truth, how should Christians respond? Should we retreat, remain silent, or surrender to the cultural darkness around us?

Absolutely not.

But still, we have questions. Was it high gasoline and diesel prices? The ongoing war in Iran?

Did MAGA voters simply stay home? Did 40–50 percent of Christians fail to show up—again?

The election results could have serious consequences. Democrats will expand their supermajorities in the Illinois General Assembly and control both houses of Congress beginning in 2027. We should be prepared for renewed pushes to abolish ICE, force taxpayers to fund abortion on demand and gender-transition procedures, expand government control of health care, provide taxpayer-funded college, and redistribute wealth.

Much Work to Do

The election results do not change where we place our faith and trust: in the Lord. Neither do they change our calling to overcome evil with good, make disciples, and teach obedience to everything the Lord has commanded.

Our responsibility remains the same. We must be faithful.

In a powerful sermon titled “Bright Lights in a Dark World“, the late Pastor Adrian Rogers reminds us that Christians are called to stand boldly for Jesus Christ, regardless of the political climate, cultural opposition, or persecution we may face.

Drawing from 1 Peter 3:13–16, Rogers points to the early Christians who lived under the oppressive Roman Empire. They were ridiculed, falsely accused, economically marginalized, and sometimes brutally persecuted because they refused to compromise their allegiance to Jesus Christ.

Yet they did not retreat. Rogers warns against the temptation to despair or “hunker down” in fear; instead, he commands the Church to move forward with the Gospel as our weapon and the Kingdom of God as our foundation—an unshakeable Authority that supersedes any earthly government. Their example should challenge every one of us today.

Rogers outlines six timeless commitments for every believer:

Enthrone Christ as Lord: Salvation is not merely accepting a plan; it is bowing the knee to the Sovereign King who demands your complete allegiance. If Jesus is not Lord of your life, you have not grasped the reality of salvation.

Be Ready with an Answer: We must be prepared to give a reasoned defense (apologetics) of our faith. When our lives are truly changed, people will notice and ask why we are different; we must have an answer for them.

Practice Genuine Humility: Our influence is not won through arrogance or angry rhetoric, but through “meekness”—which is strength under control—and a holy reverence for God.

Live a Superior Lifestyle: Christians are called to live distinct, blameless lives. Our conduct should be so demonstrably superior that it shames those who would falsely accuse us. We must out-live, out-give, and out-pray the world.

Display Genuine Love: While we must stand firm against sins like abortion, pornography, and the LGBTQ+ agenda, we must do so with a heart of mercy. We are to be a hospital for the broken, reaching out to those caught in sin rather than turning our backs on them.

Hold On to Hope: We are on the winning side. Whatever earthly structures fall—much like ancient Rome—the Kingdom of God remains. Our hope is not in the preservation of brick and mortar, but in the eternal victory of King Jesus.

The message concludes with an exhortation to action: we are to carry the banner of Christ with joy and courage. We do not despair over the state of the world, for we know the Lord of Hosts, and we know that Jesus Christ reigns as over an unshakeable kingdom that is eternal, righteous and distinct from transient earthly empires. Scripture reminds us:

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let’s show gratitude,
by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;
for our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 12:28–29

Dr. Erwin Lutzer often reminds us that our calling is not necessarily to achieve victory, but to remain faithful. I am grateful for those important reminders.

Part of our duty to be faithful to our Lord and Savior is the defense of the freedoms He gave us and the work to preserve the nation He so graciously blessed 250 years ago. Yet He also understood that our ultimate responsibility is far greater than preserving a particular political system or way of life.

We firmly believe that Christians have a biblical responsibility to engage in the public square, defend the sanctity of human life, protect children, strengthen families, and advocate for righteous public policies.

We should vote, communicate with our elected officials, speak out against injustice, and work diligently to preserve the liberties entrusted to us. We should also endeavor to share biblical truth within our spheres of influence, teaching all who will listen to observe everything Christ has commanded (Matthew 28:16–20).

But we must never confuse political success with spiritual revival.

A Matter of the Heart

Our state and nation need more than better politicians, stronger laws, or improved public policies. We desperately need repentance, spiritual renewal, faithful churches, strong Christian families, and men and women who will boldly proclaim the truth of God’s Word.

And that work begins with us recognizing that our heart is “deceitful above all things and desperately wicked.” (Jer 17:9) This is why David pleaded with God to:

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

This is rooted in the Apostle Paul’s instruction to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). We cannot effectively serve our King or resist the darkness of this age with a mind influenced by the world; that transformation is the exclusive work of the Holy Spirit in our lives (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Faithfulness

As we consider the moral confusion and political turmoil surrounding us, and the fickleness of public opinion, we must remember that our faith rests in the Lord. He does not change.

When we are tempted to despair, remember that surrender is not our calling. The Apostle Paul reminds us:

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord,
knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 15:58

We must continue to stand for truth, defend the vulnerable, disciple our children, strengthen our churches, love our neighbors, and faithfully be the salt and light of the world. We are not to measure our faithfulness by election results, political influence, or cultural approval. Instead, we must focus on obeying and honoring Jesus Christ while being good stewards of His gift of self-government.

Our ultimate hope is not in Springfield or Washington, D.C. It is not in any political party, candidate, or earthly institution. Our hope is in Jesus Christ, our risen Savior and reigning King.

May God grant us the courage, wisdom, humility, and love to be bright lights in a dark world.

In You, Lord, I have taken refuge;
Let me never be put to shame.
In Your righteousness rescue me and save me;
Extend Your ear to me and help me.
Be to me a rock of dwelling to which I may continually come;
You have given the commandment to save me,
For You are my rock and my fortress.
Save me, my God, from the hand of the wicked,
From the grasp of the wrongdoer and the ruthless,
For You are my hope;
Psalm 71:1–5


David  E. Smith
Dave Smith is the executive director of Illinois Family Institute (501c3) and Illinois Family Action (501c4). Follow Dave on X: @ProFamilyIL David has almost 35 years of experience in public policy and grass-roots activism that includes countless interviews for numerous radio, television, cable programs and newspaper articles on topics such as the sanctity of life, natural marriage, broadcast decency, sex education, marijuana, gambling, abortion, homosexuality, tax policy, drug decriminalization and pornography. He and his wife of 31 years are blessed with eight children, many of whom they homeschool. They believe their first God-given responsibility is to disciple their children—cultivating a...
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