I think that one of the reasons we all give generously to the church is because we believe the church is the best expression of God's care for this world. There are many other causes that do good work in the area of health and schooling and social services, but none combines both social service and spiritual transformation like the church. And if we are going to make a difference in our world, we are going to need spiritual transformation more than social transformation. They glory in their shame is the fourth mark of this force against the faith. It does not take much imagination to see how this describes much of our world today.
People revel in behavior that under the light of the gospel is shameful.
But for many, it is their glory. The sex and violence of our entertainment culture is the most graphic illustration that comes to my mind. I saw a bumper sticker last week that glorified this shame. From the gospel point of view, much of what is produced is shameful. In the end it will be seen for what it is.