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4 September 2007
Part of a themed week on "Challenges in mission".
A new culture - Colossians 1:13
God has freed us from the power of darkness, and he brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son.
Each nation has a distinct culture. On moving to another country we must be prepared to adapt to that culture rather than attempt to impose our own ways onto our new environment.
What does a culture consist of? Webster's dictionary defines it as the "beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a religious, social or racial group". When we choose to follow Jesus we also enter a new culture. By becoming members of the Church, God's family, we agree to adapt to, and represent, a culture that is distinguishable from the one in which the rest of the world live.
We have a new set of values and beliefs that come from the Bible, God's inspired word. These are to direct our decisions and to guide us. New social forms include meeting together for fellowship and support and reaching out to those in need. Materially we become stewards responsible for handling the resources that God has given us, using them to fulfil his will here on Earth.
Sitting on the fence is not an option. We have to choose which culture we are going to follow. It is impossible to live in a new culture while holding on to the values of the old. This only results in confusion and stagnation. Have you become a part of the culture that is God's family or are you still trying to follow to ways of your old culture while living in the new?
Father, thank you that you have taken me out of the culture of the world which results in death, and have brought me into your culture that has the secret of eternal life. Forgive me for the times that I have returned to my old habits or am tempted to do so. Please help me adapt to your ways so that others may see you at work in me. Amen.
Written by Adam Pope , Volunteer Coordinator for Latin Link
Part of a themed week on "Challenges in mission".
A new culture - Colossians 1:13
God has freed us from the power of darkness, and he brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son.
Each nation has a distinct culture. On moving to another country we must be prepared to adapt to that culture rather than attempt to impose our own ways onto our new environment.
What does a culture consist of? Webster's dictionary defines it as the "beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a religious, social or racial group". When we choose to follow Jesus we also enter a new culture. By becoming members of the Church, God's family, we agree to adapt to, and represent, a culture that is distinguishable from the one in which the rest of the world live.
We have a new set of values and beliefs that come from the Bible, God's inspired word. These are to direct our decisions and to guide us. New social forms include meeting together for fellowship and support and reaching out to those in need. Materially we become stewards responsible for handling the resources that God has given us, using them to fulfil his will here on Earth.
Sitting on the fence is not an option. We have to choose which culture we are going to follow. It is impossible to live in a new culture while holding on to the values of the old. This only results in confusion and stagnation. Have you become a part of the culture that is God's family or are you still trying to follow to ways of your old culture while living in the new?
Father, thank you that you have taken me out of the culture of the world which results in death, and have brought me into your culture that has the secret of eternal life. Forgive me for the times that I have returned to my old habits or am tempted to do so. Please help me adapt to your ways so that others may see you at work in me. Amen.
Written by Adam Pope , Volunteer Coordinator for Latin Link
