How to Live Among the Pagans

How to Live Among the Pagans: A Christian Perspective

Living in a society that is increasingly secular, with beliefs and practices that diverge from Christian values, can present significant challenges. The Bible calls Christians to live “in the world” but not “of the world” (John 17:14-16), meaning that while they engage with their surrounding culture, they must not adopt its idolatrous or sinful practices. How, then, should Christians live among non-believers or pagans in a way that honors God and reflects the teachings of Jesus Christ?

This article explores practical biblical principles and guidance for living among pagans, focusing on maintaining a distinct Christian identity while being a positive influence in the world.

1. Understanding “Living Among the Pagans”

The term “pagan” traditionally refers to people who follow religious practices or beliefs that are not aligned with Christianity. In the modern context, it often refers to individuals who are not Christians or who adhere to secular philosophies and lifestyles. However, regardless of how the term is understood, the core challenge for Christians is the same: how to live faithfully as disciples of Jesus in a world that may be indifferent to or even hostile toward Christian values.

In the first century, early Christians found themselves in similar circumstances, surrounded by paganism, idol worship, and moral decadence. The Apostle Paul, in particular, offered counsel to believers on how to navigate life in a pagan society. His writings continue to provide valuable insights for Christians today, offering practical advice on how to remain faithful while engaging with a culture that often holds different beliefs and values.

2. The Biblical Mandate to Be In the World but Not Of It

One of the central teachings in Scripture is that Christians are called to live as “strangers and aliens” in the world (1 Peter 2:11). This means that while Christians are to live in the world, they are not to conform to its sinful patterns. In Romans 12:2, Paul urges believers, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This transformation comes through a relationship with Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to live according to God’s standards.

At the same time, Jesus Himself prayed for His disciples, saying, “I have given them your word, and the world has hated them…My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:14-15). Jesus did not pray for His followers to withdraw from the world but to remain in it, living in a way that reflects their identity as children of God.

3. Living as a Witness to Non-Believers

A central aspect of living among pagans is the call to be a witness to them—showing them the love, truth, and grace of God through actions and words. Christians are called to be “salt and light” in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). This means that Christians should have a positive impact on the people around them by demonstrating God’s love in tangible ways. Being a witness involves both personal conduct and engaging in conversations about faith.

a. Loving Your Neighbor

One of the most significant ways that Christians can witness to non-believers is through love. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus gives the two greatest commandments: to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself. This second commandment is a crucial aspect of Christian living among non-believers. Showing love to others—whether they are fellow believers or pagans—can open doors for conversations about the gospel. It may involve acts of kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and compassion, demonstrating the love of Christ in a practical, relatable way.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:22, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” In this context, Paul shows that believers should be willing to make personal sacrifices and adapt their approach in order to meet people where they are, demonstrating Christ’s love in ways that resonate with their lives and experiences.

b. Sharing the Gospel

While loving others is essential, it is also necessary for Christians to share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul urges believers in Romans 10:14-15 to preach the gospel, saying, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”

Living among pagans offers numerous opportunities for evangelism. This can happen in formal settings like preaching and teaching but also in informal interactions—such as friendships, workplaces, and family gatherings. Christians should seize these opportunities to speak about the hope they have in Christ (1 Peter 3:15) and to point others toward the truth of the gospel.

4. Standing Firm in Your Faith

One of the challenges of living among pagans is the temptation to conform to the prevailing cultural norms. Christians may feel pressure to adopt the same attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs as their non-Christian peers in order to fit in or avoid conflict. However, Scripture calls believers to stand firm in their faith and resist the pull to compromise.

a. Maintaining Moral Purity

Christians are called to live lives of moral integrity, even in the midst of a corrupt and immoral society. In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7, Paul writes, “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality…For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” Sexual purity, honesty, and integrity in relationships are all crucial aspects of standing firm in faith. By living according to God’s standards, believers can be a clear witness to the difference that Christ makes in their lives.

The Apostle Peter encourages Christians to “be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). Holiness is not about withdrawing from the world but about living a life that reflects God’s character and stands as a contrast to the world’s values. When believers live with moral purity, they are living as a testimony to the transformative power of the gospel.

b. Persevering in the Face of Opposition

Living in a pagan society can sometimes mean facing persecution, ridicule, or rejection. The early Christians in the Roman Empire experienced significant opposition, yet they remained faithful. Jesus warned His followers that they would face persecution for His name’s sake (John 15:18-20). Christians today may also face hostility for their beliefs, but they are called to endure.

In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul writes, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” However, Christians are not to shrink back in fear or anger but to remain faithful, trusting that God will sustain them. When faced with opposition, believers can find strength in knowing that they are not alone, as the Holy Spirit empowers them to stand firm.

5. Being Distinct: Avoiding Worldly Conformity

One of the key aspects of living among pagans is maintaining a distinct Christian identity. This is not about withdrawing from society but about living in a way that reflects the values of God’s Kingdom rather than those of the world.

a. Avoiding Idolatry and False Worship

Throughout the Bible, God calls His people to avoid idolatry—worshiping false gods or putting anything above Him. In a pagan society, idolatry can take many forms, whether through the worship of materialism, fame, or other distractions. Christians are called to put God first in all things and to resist the temptation to prioritize anything above Him.

In 1 John 5:21, the apostle writes, “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” This is a reminder that Christians must be vigilant about what they value and devote their time and energy to. It also means that Christians should not participate in activities that conflict with their faith, such as engaging in idol worship or compromising their Christian beliefs for the sake of social acceptance.

b. Transforming Culture Through Christian Influence

While Christians are called to be distinct from the world, they are also called to influence the world for good. Rather than retreating from society, believers are to engage with it, bringing the light of Christ into every sphere of life. This includes work, politics, education, art, entertainment, and social justice.

In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus calls His followers to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world.” Salt preserves and enhances, while light illuminates and dispels darkness. Christians are called to use their influence to bring about positive change in the world by promoting justice, truth, and love in every area of life. This can be done by advocating for the poor, working for peace, and sharing God’s message of reconciliation.

6. Practical Tips for Living Among Pagans

a. Establish Strong Christian Community

One of the best ways to remain faithful while living among pagans is to surround oneself with a strong Christian community. The Church provides support, encouragement, and accountability for believers as they navigate the challenges of living in a secular world. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…but encouraging one another.”

b. Engage in Regular Prayer and Bible Study

To remain steadfast in the faith, it is essential for Christians to engage in regular prayer and Bible study. This helps them stay rooted in God’s Word, develop spiritual strength, and gain wisdom for navigating the challenges they face in a secular society. Prayer provides a direct connection with God, while Bible study provides the guidance needed for living according to His will.

c. Be Mindful of Media Consumption

In today’s world, media—whether through television, movies, social media, or music—can have a significant influence on one’s thoughts and behaviors. Christians should be discerning about the media they consume, ensuring that it aligns with their values and does not promote sinful attitudes or behaviors.

7. Conclusion

Living among pagans can be challenging, but it is also an opportunity for Christians to live out their faith in a way that draws others to Christ. By loving their neighbors, standing firm in their faith, being distinct from the world, and engaging with culture in a redemptive way, Christians can fulfill their role as witnesses to the gospel. It is not enough to withdraw from society or to become like it; believers are called to be in the world but not of it, reflecting the love, truth, and grace of Jesus Christ in every area of their lives.