Go make disciples: Sons of Issachar, seven mountains of influence

I mentioned earlier that if we don’t obey the command to disciple the nations, there is one who will, and that he is making war on  Western culture. We are to be wise as serpents and as harmless as doves, and as part of this,  we need to be like the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to knew what to do (Matthew 10:16; 1 Chronicles 12:3). God has, in fact, been raising up His prophets and speaking to us of the need to contend for the kingdom in “seven mountains” of influence,  the government, the media, Arts and Entertainment, the Education mountains, the Business mountain and the Church and Family mountains. Some Christians have trouble with this, teaching that it's unbiblical. I came across this quote on the internet “We should have an impact on society, but not through domination or forceful change. Rather, we are to share the love of God with others, stand up for truth, and eagerly await Jesus' return when He will make all things new.”

Who could disagree? Certainly we must not use domination or force as a means of changing the culture. This would be to use the enemy's weapons. Unfortunately, these things are far from missing from both our past and present, and are things of which we need to repent, in order to claim the promise of Him healing our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). But how can we be salt and light if we sit in splendid isolation waiting, and doing nothing as the world goes to hell in a hand basket (see 1 Corinthians 5:10)? Surely our interactions with society should imitate the way Jesus interacted with the world (Mark 2:16).  Should we not applaud what God is doing in moving Christians to produce Christian movies? And if we can applaud getting involved in that mountain, why not in others? What about contributing to the legal costs of those opposing legislation that seeks to make illegal, the getting of help for unwanted same sex desires? And should not parents be concerned about the things being taught in schools that are bringing gender confusion to vulnerable children,  encouraging sexual experimentation in the guise of  discovering one's orientation? Should we not  be willing to get involved in PTA's and other areas of influence?

What about teaching Christians good business practices in our disciplship, and encourage Christians to open business that operate with integrity? Is there not a need, for example, for local automotive - repair shops, where there is honesty, integrity and fair pricing? And might this not bring other business into line, which were loosing business because of the competition of honest business practices? Is this not the leaven of the Kingdom? Certainly there are Christians in all of thses mountains, but they are likely very isolated, and in need of support. But how will they find support if we teach that the things are wrong? We need to pray for those in those already in these mountains, and for more Christians to get involved. And would it not make sense to make these things part of discipleship?

 Lord,  the enemy has come in like a flood, but thank You that as we pray You are raising a standard against him (Isaiah 59:19). Teach us to be like the sons of Issachar, help us to understand and to know what You would have us do, and then to do it. As always Lord we need Your help, and we're asking for it in Jesus Name Amen