Following Christ, Not Culture
“But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.”—1 John 4:4 (NLT)
A revival starts with us. The cause of the decay of our culture isn’t from all the nonbelievers. It is from both Christians and non-Christians. Lukewarm Christianity is contributing to it as well. Complacency needs to end. There are church’s that aren’t preaching what is Biblically sound doctrine. Practicing tolerance and not speaking the truth with gentleness in love is leading many misguided people astray.
Jesus’ words to us in John 14:6 are, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” He doesn’t tell us there are multiple avenues to God. He is very clear the only way to have a relationship with the one true God is through Him. Many find this offensive because it isn’t all inclusive. Being politically correct may stop some Christians from sharing this truth.
We can’t have one foot in the world and one foot in the Bible. We need to be all in. Our reality is that those who choose not to believe the Gospel will be offended. Currently, I am in the New Testament in my Bible plan. I have been reading about all the accusations Jesus faced for preaching God’s truth.
Jesus is our model on how to handle the opposition He faced at every turn. Despite it, He continued in obedience and brought glory to His Father in all His actions. We are to do the same. The division found during Jesus’ teachings are still happening today. We see it now with what is happening in Israel. There has been turmoil over religion in this region for over 2200 years. Yet, we cling to the hope knowing, one day Jesus will come back and restore moral order. He will triumph over evil.
We need a sense of morality back in this world. Speaking up and speaking out isn’t easy. As a Christ follower, being a coward in this area, isn’t an option. When we have an opportunity to witness but stay silent, we are denying God. As God’s people, we have a higher level of accountability because of what we know and the access we have to His Word.
As we share our faith in this crumbling world around us, we never know whose heart will be changed from it. God has chosen all of us for a time such as this to share our faith. Let us cling to 1 John 4:4. It tells we belong to God and have won victory over evil because we have the Holy Spirit living within us that is greater. Loving Jesus pushes out our love for the things of the world.
Father God,
Forgive me when I fail to stand-up to cultural norms that clearly don’t align with scripture. I ask for strength to cling to the truth and values found in Your Word. I pray for restoration of moral order in our society. I ask for peace for anxious hearts as they watch what is unfolding in other parts of the world. What is happening is not a surprise to You. I lift those up to You who are facing persecution. Give them strength when they feel weak. Thank You for giving me, Jesus, the perfect example of how to live during these times of opposition. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen
October Verse
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”—Psalm 28:7
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