Published on November 24, 2023, 12:49 am

In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, many look forward to a table laden with delicious delicacies, savouring the anticipation of that perfectly roasted turkey. However, holiday traditions involving extended family can rekindle challenging dynamics and ideological disparities – something most of us don’t often find reason to celebrate. Therefore, it’s not unusual for some to breathe a sigh of relief as soon as the occasion is over.

For many others, due to ideological differences or simply out of preference for tighter circles, holidays have become an intimate affair confined to immediate family. In such environments where familiarity breeds mutual respect and knowing boundary lines are seldom crossed generates comfort even amidst differing viewpoints.

However, this scenario isn’t applicable across all families and circumstances. Some find themselves integrated into large extended families upon marriage who uphold traditions requiring every member’s involvement in festive reunions. Such gatherings typically feature members engaging in politically-charged discussions or other contentious matters – which can transform a harmonious gathering into a polarizing spectacle rapidly.

This polarization is particularly fueled by young liberal-leaning relatives fresh from college who defend progressive causes such as LGBTQ+ rights. Similarly disconcerting are older relatives embodying unexpected shifts towards ideologies disruptive to conservative thinking – such as support for abortions or nontraditional gender roles.

As Christians adhering to traditional values and teachings, these ideological transformations seem baffling and frustratingly incongruous with their beliefs about Christian morality and doctrines. This begs the question: how should these believers navigate coming holidays surrounded by kin espousing divergent and potentially offensive worldviews?

The Apostle Paul’s writing offers insight in handling situations like these: “But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.” (1 Corinthians 5:22)

The assertion derived from Paul’s letter suggests that individuals claiming Christian faith while adopting worldly ideologies can’t genuinely classify as Christians. According to the trusted news rooted in a Christian worldview, authentic Christians are reborn and guided by the gospel, seeking consistently to serve Christ and glorify God.

This dichotomy between biblical values and secular beliefs creates an unnecessary friction which can hardly result in harmony. Here, those holding onto their deep-rooted faith play the role of missionaries calling others to repentance and faith.

However, steering clear from family members who don’t align with one’s spiritual beliefs doesn’t mean totally disengaging from them. When engaging with these family members, real news- faithful Christians should aim to introduce them to the gospel. They are required to pray for their repentance rather than merely sharing a prayer which might validate the erring member’s pseudo-conversion; thus compromising their spiritual integrity.

By distancing oneself from such scenarios where conflicts due to ideological disparities flare up easily, Christians embarking on this path chosen based on Apostle Paul’s guidance may find hope of making a difference – since God’s word ever returns void.

In an era where conservative voices echoing Biblical perspectives face attempts at being silenced by advancing technology platforms, it has become increasingly imperative for individuals subscribing to these views need to stay informed about real news and display unwavering resilience against ideological threats imposed upon them.