The blog below was written in response to this episode of “What’s God Doing”
What kind of culture did you grow up in and how did that shape your worldview and lifestyle? How does it shape your witness for the gospel?
I have been finding that even though I grew up in a Christian family and church grounded in Biblical truth, lies and wrong perspective still shaped the way I live and see things. Recently I have been seeing how I have been immersed in “churchy” words and ways of explaining things.
I feel our country’s culture is shifting farther and farther away from have a Biblical foundation. When I was growing up everyone seemed to at least know how to pray, who God is, and that Jesus died for them, even if they did not believe or live it. Now, I am encountering more and more people that know and understand nothing of the God we serve. What is prayer? What is Worship? What is a missionary? What is different about God then anyone else? Why should we worship Him? These are some of the questions that I have gotten lately. When I try to explain, my churchy vocabulary goes over their heads.
It has been a good exercise and fun to try to think of how to explain things in new ways. I always thought it was hard to share the gospel with someone who is deceived into thinking they are already a believer just because they grew up in church, but this is the other end of the pendulum. My culture is confusing to others and theirs is the same for me.
It’s hard to explain what we do not understand. What does God’s kingdom culture actually look like? And are we reflecting it well to others?
Matt. 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.1 John 2:3-6
Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
It says to walk like Jesus; how did He walk? Well, He did confuse a lot of people and He threw some tables, but He loved to the point of going to the cross. He challenged their beliefs and lifestyles. He was bold and only did what the Father wanted of Him. He spoke only truth and lived out the promises of His Father. He challenged the religious and preformed miracles to the Gentiles. He taught and listened to the needs of everyone. He grieved with those who grieved and celebrated with those who celebrated. He ate with sinners.
What does Paul mean by “I became all things to all people”? There are good and bad things about every culture, even ours. Wisdom is needed. There are good things from other cultures that we can honor and even imitate. I think the even bigger meaning is to understand them and respect them and not let our own culture get in the way of the Gospel. I remember a story about how Amy Carmichael went around witnessing to people in another country and the way she was dressed in her European clothing was too distracting for the people. She began to wear the cultural clothing, so as to best reach them.
The gospel will still be confusing to the people who don’t want to hear, but to the ones whose hearts are ready we might be the ones who can lead them to salvation.
In what ways do you think your culture, worldview, or lifestyle might hinder your witness to the cultures around you? This is not something to think on without the Lord’s wisdom and guidance; I know for myself, I would be too critical and would become insecure. I challenge you to take this to the Lord and ask if there is some way you could be more aware and effective. If you have experienced this before, tell us the story in the comments, or simply share how God spoke to you through this activity. Don’t forget to watch the video. Merry Christmas everyone!!!!!
