What is going on in our culture?

I have seen a lot happen in my lifetime, but I’ve never seen so much division as we see today.  It is one thing to have different views, but we have moved past that to hostile estrangement.

Division can be found all over in all areas – like in politics, finances, races, generations, jobs, churches, families, and definitely social media.  Too many of us feel pressured to pick a side, loudly defend it, and view others as enemies.

Christians should never ignore issues or avoid hard conversations.  At the same time, we are supposed to follow Jesus in ways that don’t mimic the culture’s traits like fear, hostility, and contempt.  We must instead follow Jesus’ example of faithfulness to Jesus, truth, humility, peace, and service.

John 13:35 states that Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  And that is what we must show and do.

So, let’s consider five things we need to do (and be) in such a divided culture…

1. Be loyal to Jesus first

Being involved in your community, caring about justice, voting, and holding strong convictions are important things to do.  BUT, no earthly group or earthly ideologies should ever be more important to you than Jesus.

We should not withdraw from society, but we must remember Philippians 3:20: “Our citizenship is in heaven.”  We belong to a greater Kingdom, and our King deserves our full allegiance.

Sadly, I have seen far too many Christians who give far more attention and far more of their heart to social groups, political parties, and other things than to Jesus.

We must be loyal to Jesus first and foremost.

So, we need to never get into an argument, repeat a popular opinion, or blindly defend something or someone without first asking ourselves whether Jesus would do it or not.  Our loyalty to Jesus must shape us.

2. Be loving and a truth bearer

Love is not about mushy, sentimental feelings.  Love is about commitment, choice, or caring about someone.  Love also means that we cannot remain silent when we need to have a difficult conversation with someone.

Truth is not about what I think or what you think.  Truth is truth, and Jesus is the ultimate truth.  He would never try to point someone to God using insults, dishonesty, or mockery.  However, He minced no words when He confronted those who claimed to be representatives of God.

Truth and love should lead us to be honest while we also look to help the person.

So, we need to careful what we say (or post).  We must ask ourselves: “Is it true?  Is it loving?  Is it necessary?  Will it lead to good or push them away?”

3. Be humble and dignified

Someone described biblical humility as horses that are bridled – power under control.  We must realize that though God knows all, we do not.

James 1:19 tells us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.”  Most people do not follow that, but Christians are not supposed to be like most people.

We must realize that every human was created in the image of God, so we must never look down on others as less than us because we don’t like what they do or say.  You can disagree with someone and treat them like someone that Jesus loves.

4. Be faithful and seek peace

Seeking peace is not about avoiding conflict.  It is trying to set things right through reconciliation, justice, and restored relationships.  Jesus that peacemakers will be called sons of God.

We must not seek peace at the expense of our faith.  We must not ignore what is wrong.  We must be faithful while we also seek peace.

5. Be a servant

One of the biggest problems in our culture is the severe selfishness we see.  Our culture is not used to seeing someone do something nice without wanting something in return.  We must not be like that.

Jesus came to serve instead of being served.  His life was so different that others wanted what He had.  And that is how we must live.

Just imagine what our culture would look like if more people acted like neighbors instead of like spoiled children.

We may live in a divided culture, but we don’t have to live like that culture.  We must live like Jesus did and like He told us to live.  We must put Jesus first.  We must speak truth lovingly.  We must be humble and treat others with dignity.  We must seek peace biblically.  And we must be servants.

This is what we must do and what we must be in our divided culture.

Click the picture below to check out David Platt’s powerful book about this…