As Christians, we proclaim Christ crucified and risen, fully aware that we cannot impose faith on anyone. Faith comes as God’s grace transforms hearts, and each individual must respond to the gospel personally. However, the God who saves by grace has also created a world with a moral order—a universal framework designed for human flourishing. While the Church cannot coerce individuals to adopt Christian morality, Christians are called to promote the common good in alignment with God’s design.
From the beginning, God created humanity in His image, male and female (Gen. 1:27). Through this intentional distinction, God established marriage as a union of man and woman (Gen. 2:23–24). Marriage is not merely a private arrangement but a public institution designed for procreation, co-labouring, mutual joy, and fellowship. Adam’s poetic exclamation in Genesis 2:23 underscores the delight of this union. In marriage, man and woman join together in fellowship, laboring to tend the garden and fulfill God’s command to be fruitful and multiply (Gen. 1:28).
The idea that morality is strictly private is a modern misconception.
This vision of marriage and family is inherently good—not just for believers but for all of humanity. Genesis declares it “very good” (Gen. 1:31). Marriage reflects God’s design for human flourishing, and Christians have a responsibility to promote this common good. While our ultimate desire is for everyone to know Christ, we also affirm that God’s moral order is a blessing for society as a whole.
The Role of Christians in Promoting the Common Good
Some may argue that Christians should avoid imposing their morality on others. In one sense, this is true: faith and obedience cannot be coerced. But promoting the common good is not coercion—it’s an act of love. By highlighting the harmful effects of pornography or the benefits of chastity, for example, we are not imposing faith but affirming God’s moral order. Jesus calls His followers to be salt and light (Matt. 5:13–16), preserving what is good and illuminating what is true.
The idea that morality is strictly private is a modern misconception. Scripture is clear: sin affects communities, not just individuals. God established laws, such as the prohibition against murder (Gen. 9:6; Ex. 20:13), to protect the vulnerable and uphold justice. Romans 13 reminds us that governing authorities are instituted by God to reward good and punish evil. Thus, advocating for policies and leaders that promote righteousness is a faithful expression of loving our neighbours.
A Loving Witness to a Watching World
Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s famous assertion—“There’s no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation”—epitomizes a libertarian view of morality that contradicts God’s Word. While we respect individual freedom, Christians must also affirm that God cares deeply about how we live, including our sexual ethics. To remain silent on these issues out of fear of judgment or discomfort is to fail in our duty to love our neighbours.
Promoting God’s moral order is not about judgment but restoration. If we see someone heading toward destruction, love compels us to speak up; whether the issue is sexuality, sanctity of life, or justice, the common good demands that we uphold the truth with compassion and conviction.
The Gospel and the Common Good
Finally, we must recognize that promoting the common good is not contrary to the gospel but complementary to it. While the gospel addresses humanity’s ultimate need for salvation, God’s moral order addresses our immediate need for flourishing. To separate these is to diminish the fullness of God’s revelation.
As followers of Christ, we can and must promote the good of all while proclaiming the good news of salvation. Both reflect the heart of a God who loves order, justice, and redemption. To do less is to abandon our role as salt and light, leaving the world in moral chaos.
Let us love our neighbours by championing the common good and sharing the gospel boldly, trusting God to use both for His glory and the flourishing of humanity.
