Positively Influence Your Culture (February 13, 2023)

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

Today’s world is radically different from the one I experienced some seven decades ago as a young baby boomer growing up in a church-going, bible-teaching, Christian family. I was raised in an American culture that still trusted in God and largely respected the moral values and scriptural principles that our nation was built upon by predominately God-fearing people. We still wrestle with the same old nagging problems that made headlines back then and many new ones many of which stem from changing moral values and shifting attitudes, resulting in America’s dramatic demise as a Christian nation.

Historically, destruction comes to great nations that turn away from God and ignore the truth of His Word. Powerful empires that reject godly guidance and submit to Satan’s deceitfulness and evil influence ultimately crumble and fall. I fear that the United States is rapidly moving toward that unfortunate end, and our wayward country is certainly in need of our prayers as Christians. Of all the woes that are threatening to destroy our nation today, let alone the American way of life that we once knew, there are none more appalling and saddening than the moral decadence and decay that are engulfing our country and sweeping the globe.

While we live in this world, followers of Jesus Christ are not to become like it! We are set apart and called to be good citizens that respect authority and pray for our elected officials and fellow citizens. But when public policies and social practices violate our non-negotiable Christian beliefs, we must boldly defend our faith and values. We are not to conform to the world, but as new creations in Christ, we cannot isolate ourselves from or identify with it either. Our duty, said Dr. Robert Jeffress, is to influence our culture for God as His ambassadors! We must speak biblical truth and reflect the love, light, and life of Christ into a hateful, dark, and dying world.

“You are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16)