Authentic Christianity is “counter-cultural” – It is transformational (personally and within the broader culture)!
A Scripture that makes that point powerfully is the well-known “DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND, so that you may prove what the will of God is – that which is good and acceptable and perfect!” (Romans 12:2 NASB)
That Scripture came powerfully to mind this morning as I read 2 Timothy 3 during my time of “Coffee with the Lord!” Here’s our challenge as devoted, obedient, Spirit-empowered followers of Jesus in our culture…
First – “DO NOT BE CONFORMED TO [i.e., “pressed into the mold of”] THIS WORLD”
Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit said, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people… These people oppose the truth, and are corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. (From verses1-8)
Instead he said, BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWAL OF YOUR MIND!
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man [or woman] of God may be complete, equipped for every good work!” (From verses 14-17)
So it seems to be the answer for us, our children, and our grandchildren, etc. is to resist the pressure all around us to conform to our cultures values, way of thinking, and manner of life. And instead, fill our minds and hearts with Scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to transform us “inside – out!” Don’t conform – instead be transformed! From “childhood” – through adulthood – until we are “complete, equipped for every good work!”
Hey, it’s one reason I have “Coffee with the Lord” every day!
Coffee With The Lord 