Developing a Culture of Christ

The chaos and mass confusion that has inundated our American culture is indicative of Paul’s words to Timothy concerning these times in which we are living. He wrote: “in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT).

The ungodly behavior being played out on our streets across this nation are the result of years of brainwashing by the media, Hollywood, the radical music culture and the rise of a socialistic belief system. The school systems have been utilized as a training ground implementing these beliefs into the minds of our youngest.

But, what we must understand, if we are to overcome, is the true nature behind this cultural shift which America has been drug through. Paul incites us to understand that the true struggle is not the human on the street but the evil that is driving that individual that has pervaded our world from the spiritual realms. He wrote: “Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens” (Ephesians 6:12 HCSB).

The evil and chaos we see being played out in our streets is a physical display of the spiritual battles being levied against our society by demonic agents. These have been dispatched to bring destruction to anything and everything and will not cease in their onslaught.

As Christians, we have a responsibility. We have a responsibility to develop a culture of Christ wherever we go. It will not develop if we spend all of our time cringing and praying the Lord returns quickly to rescue us from this mess but according to Paul it comes about as we learn to suit up for battle. He declared: “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11 NLT). He emphasizes the believer’s readiness for battle through the use of such phrases as: put on your armor, stand firm, stand your ground, be fully prepared and stay alert (vv. 10-18).

The reality of it all is—“we are in a battle.” Believers across this nation are waking up to this reality. Churches are beginning to come alive once again. The silent majority of believers is beginning to realize their potential when they come together. It is time to continue this move. It is time to step up, speak out and make an impact in our slice of this world.

As we suit up for battle, we need to understand our ability to overcome is not within ourselves. Paul tells us that “overwhelming victory is ours through Christ” (Romans 8:37 NLT). Thus, we must maintain lifestyles that honor GOD. David Jeremiah writes: “As Christians we need to take responsibility for our walk with God, seeking to be more like Him, sharing our faith and serving others…. Be diligent to serve the Savior.”

Peter encouraged us in this way: “For it is God’s will that you, by doing good, silence the ignorance of foolish people” (1 Peter 2:15). We are to live as Jesus lived. He went about doing good (Acts 10:38). When we do so, the ignorance that drives foolish people to adopt and live out foolish practices will be silenced. We must learn to live upright, in purity and holiness, seeking always to do the will of the Father above.

To help develop a culture of Christ, Peter tells us: “For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:3-8).

GOD has supplied the resources for life for each of us. We simply need to plant these words into our hearts and lives and begin to live them out in our daily walk. We are overcomers. We are not of this world, but we are responsible for sharing Jesus to this world regardless of the world’s feelings or response. Each of us must do our part!

Scripture Reading: “May the Lord answer you in a day of trouble; may the name of Jacob’s God protect you. May He send you help from the sanctuary and sustain you from Zion. May He remember all your offerings and accept your burnt offering. May He give you what your heart desires and fulfill your whole purpose. Let us shout for joy at your victory and lift the banner in the name of our God. May the Lord fulfill all your requests. Now I know that the Lord gives victory to His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with mighty victories from His right hand. Some take pride in a chariot, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of the Lord our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand firm. Lord, give victory to the king! May He answer us on the day that we call” (Psalm 20).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I lift up America and its leaders to You right now. I pray for each of them that their hearts will be softened and they will recognize the Biblical principles upon which this nation was founded to be a necessity even today. Lord, I pray for my fellow believers that each of us will put away our worldly ways and seek only to do Your will and to bring glory and honor to You through all that we do. May our lives reflect grace, mercy, and holiness so a culture of Christ may develop around about us. May our words be tempered by the Holy Spirit so that what we say will only be words that have the power of change and transformation within them. Father, bring us together in Your power and help us to live as such. I love You and praise You for all You do…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!