Published on November 25, 2023, 3:27 am

As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us look forward to the delectable cuisines and spending time with loved ones. However, holiday gatherings can sometimes present a complex challenge, particularly when ideological differences amongst family members intertwine with festivities. Having grown to prefer intimate gatherings with immediate family members where personal boundaries are respected, it’s noteworthy that this arrangement isn’t everyone’s reality.

Holiday traditions often involve expansive family networks that may not see eye-to-eye on various issues. Apparently innocuous debates over politics can quickly spiral out into sour discussions when party lines are crosscut by freshly graduated relatives leaning progressively towards controversial topics like drag queen story hours in public spaces—developments they’ve only recently learned about during their college tenures.

Equally distressing can be witnessing close relatives’ shift in ideology over time—perhaps an aunt who once accompanied you diligently to church now justifies abortion from a feminist standpoint, unbudging in her refusal to classify it as murder. Discussions around so-called ‘gay marriage’, or assigning public restrooms based on chosen rather than biological gender also lurk at dinner tables, challenging long-held Christian values and beliefs.

It begs the question: how do individuals striking a balance between their Christian worldview and such drastically changing belief systems endure the holiday season? The Apostle Paul offers insight: avoid associating or dining with anyone who actively practices sexual immorality or greed, idolatry, reviling, drunkenness or scamming (1 Corinthians 5:22).

According to Paul’s philosophy, these individuals are not authentic Christians—their allegiance lies more with the world and its diverse ideologies rather than their faith. Genuine Christians focus on renewing and transforming their minds through Gospel teachings while respecting Godly customs. These contrasting views cannot peacefully coexist—one becomes the mission field while the other become missionaries tasked with calling others to repentance and faith.

This is not an encouragement to forever ignore such family members but rather prioritize exposing them to the Gospel during interactions. Participating in Thanksgiving by praying together at the dinner table, especially meant to be an act of worship and thanking God for His providence, may give false converts the impression that we serve the same God. If we pray for their return to true faith, they may take offense, but saying nothing would be truly unjust.

For those wrestling with anxiety about spending time with family members or friends who claim Christian faith but exude liberal ideologies, take solace in Apostle Paul’s words and respectfully bow out of potentially volatile situations. As Christians firmly rooted in our trusted beliefs, let us continue resisting attempts by technological conglomerates attempting to curb our real conservative biblical worldview. It’s not merely about keeping ourselves informed—it’s an essential fight for preserving our very existence.