Changing Our Culture

It is a question for which I wish I had a more definite answer. I am often asked, from a theological perspective, what will become of our nation in the years to come, particularly in light of the seemingly inevitable destructive course for which we are heading. The news reports are not favorable for people of faith. Immorality is rampant as suggestive behavior which was once an embarrassment is now celebrated as entertainment. Biblical institutions of marriage and family, the very bedrock of any culture, are now mocked as oppressive constraints from which one must be set free. The most obvious tenets of truth, the identity of a male and female, are now considered repressive designations to be called into question, leaving every person to choose for themselves their own gender. The lives of unborn children are considered worthless, but the protection of nature and the near worship of animals is propagated as the ultimate ethic. Fewer people claim faith in Jesus Christ than ever in our nation’s history, as more and more hold to atheism, agnosticism, or the new term of “nones” (no spiritual affiliation). It is as though our culture has become morally turned upside down—right is now wrong and wrong is now right.

And to make matters seemingly worse, our nation’s lawmakers, a government body founded upon the values of God’s Word, are holding to an ethic in which their greatest effort is toward maintaining their office. While I am thankful for those men and women of integrity in government who serve their constituents with godly convictions, these seem to be the growing minority. Rather than upholding principles which protect the rights of all and promote freedom, so many elected officials are seemingly devoted to party lines which will promote their own prestige and pocketbooks. In light of all of this harrowing news, what will become of our nation?

While none should be disregarded, 2020 certainly stands as an important election year for the furtherance of our nation. Each of us should carefully consider the principles of God’s Word as we go to the ballot box in the coming months. However, as has been stated before, so it should be resounded again. Our hope does not reside in the White House, but rather in the church house! The institutions of government were not given us by God to save, but only to provide protection (Romans 13:1-4). It is the Church alone that has been left with the deposit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it alone has the power to save (Romans 1:16)! As I heard quoted recently, “Every institution seeks to provide a new suit for the old man, but only the gospel of Jesus Christ provides a new man for the suit!”

So, in spite of the overwhelming odds against us in turning the moral tide of our culture, what can believers possibly do to make a difference? Since institutions of government, education, or even religion are incapable transforming people’s hearts, what steps can followers of Jesus take in witnessing revival for each community and nation?

1. Tell the story of Jesus.

One day, Jesus Christ will return to set up His perfect Kingdom. All will be under His sovereign rule. Until then, Jesus sets up His rule one heart at a time. Each of us has been charged with sharing the gospel. Imagine the impact upon this community if every member in our church led another to Jesus Christ in the next year. If this community were to have such a radical change, imagine the impact upon our county, our state, and even our nation! Remember, when a person comes to Christ, God makes them new (2 Corinthians 5:17)! Never underestimate the power you wield when you tell the gospel of Jesus Christ to another.

2. Pray to the King.

Work is how we get things done. Prayer is how God gets things done. We know that God can do more in one moment than we could possibly accomplish in ten thousand lifetimes. Therefore, let us pray! Let us take our spouses, children, neighbors, co-workers, and our leaders to God in prayer. While James’ words are more than two-thousand years old, we have too quickly forgotten the truth that God instructed to us through him regarding prayer: “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

3. Live the faith with sincerity.

None of us is perfect, but sincerity will squelch the protests of the skeptic. When we live lives of holiness because we are walking in God’s great love for us, others will glorify God for His goodness in us. The damage of religious hypocrisy can be undone by one who serves God and loves people with sincerity, humility, and grace. Jesus does not call us the “light of the world” and the “salt of the earth” without cause (Matthew 5:13-14). By His power in us, we can make an eternal impact upon others.

The odds against our culture are great, but they always have been. Remember, the gospel of Jesus Christ flourishes best in the darkest of places. God alone can change a person, a community, or a nation. He has given His own Son as proof that He desires to do so. Let us be found faithful in bringing the only hope that our culture has—the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Jason