Good morning -
Do we influence or have we been influenced? I'm often reminded that Jesus declares us to be the salt of the earth, but I wonder which has the greater influence: us on the world or vice versa?
Daniel of the Old Testament was an outstanding youth at the time of his country's greatest calamity. The king of Babylon besieged Jerusalem and deported the best and brightest people. Daniel and three of his good friends were among them.
King Nebuchadnezzar selected the most intelligent and good-looking youth for his cultural immersion program. No doubt his thinking was that if leading youth were indoctrinated into the cultural system then others would follow; an effective strategy prevalent even today.
What Nebuchadnezzar didn't bargain for were youth who refused to be indoctrinated. They refused to defile themselves through food (Daniel 1:8-16), and they acquired cultural knowledge only as a tool to be used in the service of the one true God. It is especially interesting to note:
"As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams." (Daniel 1:17)
God gave them insight and understanding into the Babylonian culture, not that they might become Babylonians, but that they might be in a better position of influence and effectiveness. Their understanding never diverted them from their true allegiance, which was exactly opposite that which Nebuchadnezzar had sought.
God wants to use people who cannot be bought or indoctrinated by our present system. Familiarity with our culture must not be driven by our fascination with it, but by our heart's desire to be used by the Lord with it.
Perhaps the greatest struggle for every follower of Christ is to be in the world but not of it (John 17:15-16). The calling to influence is clear, but the reality of being influenced is equally clear.
We are students of our culture as well as students of God's word. The imperative is that our true love and allegiance never be compromised by the appealing glitter and glamour of this present system.
Remaining focused upon our true identity and mission is key to avoiding the influence of our culture. Remembering that we are citizens of the Kingdom of God and seeking that priority first (Matthew 6:33) is the best safeguard against indoctrination into our culture.
Striving to seek the Kingdom today while living in this present age,
Pastor Steve
Do we influence or have we been influenced? I'm often reminded that Jesus declares us to be the salt of the earth, but I wonder which has the greater influence: us on the world or vice versa?
Daniel of the Old Testament was an outstanding youth at the time of his country's greatest calamity. The king of Babylon besieged Jerusalem and deported the best and brightest people. Daniel and three of his good friends were among them.
King Nebuchadnezzar selected the most intelligent and good-looking youth for his cultural immersion program. No doubt his thinking was that if leading youth were indoctrinated into the cultural system then others would follow; an effective strategy prevalent even today.
What Nebuchadnezzar didn't bargain for were youth who refused to be indoctrinated. They refused to defile themselves through food (Daniel 1:8-16), and they acquired cultural knowledge only as a tool to be used in the service of the one true God. It is especially interesting to note:
"As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams." (Daniel 1:17)
God gave them insight and understanding into the Babylonian culture, not that they might become Babylonians, but that they might be in a better position of influence and effectiveness. Their understanding never diverted them from their true allegiance, which was exactly opposite that which Nebuchadnezzar had sought.
God wants to use people who cannot be bought or indoctrinated by our present system. Familiarity with our culture must not be driven by our fascination with it, but by our heart's desire to be used by the Lord with it.
Perhaps the greatest struggle for every follower of Christ is to be in the world but not of it (John 17:15-16). The calling to influence is clear, but the reality of being influenced is equally clear.
We are students of our culture as well as students of God's word. The imperative is that our true love and allegiance never be compromised by the appealing glitter and glamour of this present system.
Remaining focused upon our true identity and mission is key to avoiding the influence of our culture. Remembering that we are citizens of the Kingdom of God and seeking that priority first (Matthew 6:33) is the best safeguard against indoctrination into our culture.
Striving to seek the Kingdom today while living in this present age,
Pastor Steve
posted by steve @ 10:00 AM
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