How Christians Are Viewed In Our Culture by Keith Cook
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12: 1, 2
I have often been asked, "How are Christians viewed in our culture?" As I thought about this, here are a few ideas that came to mind.
1) Christians are very busy people
We are always running to meetings.
We are very active and social.
We are a very closed group.
2) We are now, for the first time in American history, seen as a strange religion with strange and culturally odd followers
There are so many different kinds of Christians and we all fight against each other.
We talk a different language from most in our culture.
We espouse a different philosophy from most university professors, newspaper editors, and Hollywood actors.
3) Some see us as a very blessed people
We go through life with no problems.
We have lots of friends.
We seem to have our god's favor if there is a god.
4) We are generally seen as good if not misguided people
Most of us are not violent - except the most radical.
We are not seen as being neglectful of social needs - but judgmental of those who do not see things our way.
We are seen as good workers, good neighbors, good students - just plain good.
5) We are a judged people - non-believers judge us harshly
They think Christians live contrary to beliefs and are really hypocrites.
They think deep down inside Christians do not really care about others and that we are judging them and putting them down.
They think Christians do not share their blessings and that we are selective in who we will help. We only will help if they "get saved" or come to church, or do what we want them to do or live as we want them to live.
If we are viewed this way then we better be doing something to make sure we are making friends, listening, and doing all we can to embrace, attract, and engage our culture. Gone is the luxury of being the "moral majority." We now are the Christian minority. We are the most discriminated against, slandered, abused, attacked, and ridiculed group in our culture. We must change our strategy to win and reach our culture.
What can you do today that can make a difference?
1) Begin to pray that God will show you a way to make a difference right now. Trust Him He will begin to give you insight and direction.
2) Take baby steps first. You do not have to start a crusade or movement. Just be obedient to what God is calling you to do. Jesus constantly did the little and unspectacular on His way to doing the colossal.
3) Do not grow weary in doing good. God may make you a champion of one or give you an army of followers. No matter - you follow and work as unto the Lord.
4) Read all you can and learn all you can about the modern mind-set. Do not be intimidated but be educated as to what you are up against. Many young thinkers and leaders hear the awesome task and stop trying - and say we can not do evangelism or outreach any more - because of modern culture. That is a lie straight from the Devil. You can learn all you can - but you still have to do something that does more than inform or inspire - you still have to convert the lost to faith in Christ or they will not see the streets of Heaven.
5) Join with others who see things as you do and who want to make an impact in this generation. Avoid spending time with those who want to go slow or who simply want to go from Jesus rally to praise rally. Run with those who want to win people to Christ. Hang with those who see their mission in life communicating Christ to their culture. Explore the mysteries of God with those who want to go deep into the truths of God's Word. It is so much more fun to go into all the world with others who are enjoying the journey.
May God bless you as you dream big and go deep with Him.
Daily Prayer Focus: Pray that God will show you where He is working in your midst today and how you can make a difference.
On The Go Prayer Focus: Those who need to make decisions for Christ as On The Go and the Keith Cook Team shares the Gospel around the world. Pray that they will hear a clear message about Christ, that the Holy Spirit will move them to a point of decision and that they will be bold enough to publicly respond for Christ.
Thank you for taking the time to pray for this important division of On The Go Ministries. For more information on any our ministries here at On The Go, you may send your questions to info@onthego.org.
On The Go Daily Devotion for February 21, 2013
Brought to you each day by On The Go Ministries / Keith Cook Team
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