At Bible college, I learned about the Three Cappadocians from the region of Cappadocia: Basil the Great, Gregory of Nyssa, and Gregory of Nazianzus. All three were marked by two distinctions: their deep love for God and their deep desire to live lives of solitude. Upon learning their stories, I found myself quite sympathetic with their lot.

These Cappadocians, enthusiastic about God and studying His word, felt solitude was the beginning of the purification of the soul. Each believed engaging with pagan culture was nothing but a distraction from their devotion to Christ. And so, they all sought a more solitary life. However, these three figures now serve as examples of how dire circumstances often thrust us directly into the world we’re trying to flee from. Despite their best efforts and good intentions, the Cappadocians were unsuccessful in their pursuit of solitude, as Basil went on to lead several councils’ discussing controversies of the day, Gregory became the bishop of Nyssa, and the other Gregory became the archbishop of Constantinople.

Perhaps you didn’t sign up for a history lesson, but these testimonies are important. I failed to mention there’s a third distinction to these Cappadocians, and it’s the fact that all of them realized that the need for their engagement with the world around them far outweighed their desire for solitude. When they wished to retreat for the noble cause of studying God without distraction, they were pulled into, what was for them, the chaotic public square. Each saw the beauty of the quiet life but were convicted by the necessity of the Christian influence in public affairs. Each knew they had an ability to have influence and to promote the truth, and when faced with the choice, a life defined by action was their only reasonable path forward — I dare say their only biblical path forward.

What camp do you find yourself in? Do you choose to avoid the news because you would rather not be upset by current events? Do you avoid all talk about Jesus or politics because you’re scared to offend someone and face their disapproving glare? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, then you’re not alone. Far too many Christians feel this way, that engaging with a sinful world is something they’d rather avoid. I began with the story of the Cappadocians because I wanted to emphasize that even history proves how Christians would love to sit back and avoid the fire burning around them. But I also used their story because, ultimately, their response mirrors how all Christians are called to respond. They didn’t sit back. They rose to the occasion.

Scripture makes a clear case for why Christians need to engage with the culture around them, and it would take a great deal of mental gymnastics to avoid that truth. Yes, Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:11a, “Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs.” I’m aware that 2 Timothy 2:2 addresses the need to “lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” However, these aren’t verses calling Christians to complacency. Rather, these parts of Scripture call Christians to noble living.

To contradict those verses means to be arrogant, rude, disruptive, or disobedient to civil law. This kind of living would inevitably lead to breaking all sorts of commands in Scripture such as loving your neighbor, walking with integrity, or bearing the fruits of the spirit and glorifying God in all you do. So, yes, live a quiet life regarding the posture and way in which you engage with those around you. But no, don’t live a quiet life in that you don’t do anything.

We know we’re called to action because the Bible says so — quite clearly. One of the most prominent examples is the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20a, where Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” 1 John 3:18 states, “Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” James talks about the need to be not merely “a hearer of the Word” but “a doer who acts” (1:23-25). Of course, James also wrote to the Jewish Christian churches scattered throughout the ancient Mediterranean world that faith unaccompanied by works is dead, because genuine faith is never a solitary faith.

1 Peter even tells us to ready our minds for action, “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1:13, 3:15). “For we are His workmanship,” Ephesians 2:10 declared, “created in Christ Jesus for good works.” The list goes on and on and on. Do you think you have a case for complacency? I plead with you to return to Scripture and understand its case for charge.

Of course, these commands are and always will be first attached to evangelism and our command to pursue righteousness. But as Colossians 1:16 reads, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” This rich verse puts a beaming spotlight on “Jesus’ supreme role as the Son of God over all creation.” He is in all things. All things are meant to glorify Him. Are you going to try and make the claim that there’s some kind of exception to this? I hope not, because this verse says “all things,” be they “in heaven” or “on earth.”

Tying this discussion into our current political and social climate, my prayer is that you understand how dire our circumstances are, and that any desire for solitude or peace is just simply not as pressing as the need to be ambassadors for Christ. Not voting for the candidate that better aligns with biblical values is sitting back in an area in which we’re called to engage. Not speaking boldly on the truth concerning life, marriage, and other issues first addressed in Scripture is to sit back in an area where we’re called to action.

Part of our evangelism is to speak the gospel in direct, face-to-face conversations. Part of our evangelism is to be salt and light, preserving what is good and highlighting what is good. Part of our evangelism is living lives of sacrifice, in which we’re willing to give up our comforts to exalt our Lord and Savior in all areas of life. This all affects our witness to the truth of the gospel and, should we heed these acts of evangelism and Christian living, glorifies our heavenly Father. There’s no greater ambition than to serve, and this practically bleeds from every page of God’s inerrant word.

Complacency never made a hero of faith. To be idle never produced a zealous doer of the word. To be indifferent never proved a martyr. To do nothing has never shined the light of the gospel or obeyed the call to share the Good News with the world. Yes, there’s a fire that burns around us. It’s hot. It’s intimidating. But you know what? While the Lord tarries, that fire will not go away. We were sent out into a sick world in desperate need for Christ’s cure. We were placed on ships to sail the stormy seas of worldliness.

But you know what else? Our Lord already said, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:2-3a). “Now therefore go,” as God said to a reluctant Moses, “and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak” (Exodus 4:10-12).

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” (Psalm 32:8).