Should Christians actively oppose immorality in society?
Christians are called to the highest moral and ethical standards. [2 Peter 3:11, Ephesians 4:25-5:12].
However, Christians are not perfect. They do fail. [1 John 1:8].
Christians are not to judge non-Christians.
Jesus said, “Do not judge” [Matthew 7:1-5].
Elsewhere in the New Testament, Paul wrote that it was necessary for Christians to be accountable within the Christian community, but not to judge those outside. [1 Corinthians 5:12-13].
People naturally tend to be selfish. Such is fallen man. The only surprise is that the immorality in society is not worse.
Christians struggle with sin, but they are forgiven, and they have the Holy Spirit to help in their weakness.
The outside world does not need recriminations from people who are also less than perfect. It does not attract people to the faith and it does not provide a solution to selfishness.
The solution is the power of love and forgiveness, and the supernatural enabling of God to overcome. Coming to faith in Christ starts a journey towards purity [Proverbs 4:18, 2 Corinthians 3:18].
Unbelievers need love, not lectures. They need forgiveness rather than standards that they have no power, in themselves, to attain. Of course they resent moralising.
When I read the book of Acts, I see that the apostles simply preached the gospel. There was immorality all around but they did nothing to address it – nothing to try to “fix up” a fallen world through social programs. They did not take the high moral ground. They concentrated on offering the free gift of God’s forgiveness, love and acceptance through faith in Jesus Christ.
Is it the duty of Christians to be the moral guardians of society?
