The Church is the light of the world (Matt 5:14). Our image is very important, because it can positively or negatively affect our ability to communicate the good news. If the Church is seen as a loving, united, spiritual people, then non-Christians are more likely to listen to us. But if we are seen as an old-fashioned organization and a breeding ground for intolerance and violence, then it shouldn't be a surprise if no one is interested in what we have to say.
If our image doesn't represent us accurately, then we need to change it. We don't want to give people the wrong impression about who we are. We need to understand our current image, and we must act and speak in a way that will not perpetuate misconceptions.
Then of course sometimes we have an image problem, and what everyone thinks about us is actually true. Christian leaders have made inappropriate statements. Church history is stained with blood. Even today, local churches and Christian organizations teach and enforce ideas that are just plain wrong. In these circumstances, we the Church must change.
Now, I'm not saying that every time we have an image problem, we have to change the Church and/or its image. If truth, presented accurately and lovingly, creates an image problem, then there's nothing we can do. Just because the ideas we stand for are sometimes unpopular, it doesn't mean we have to compromise.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp, and put it under the peck-measure, but on the lampstand; and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
- Matt 5:14-16
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