Culture Shift

Sometimes I check in at a restaurant and give the hostess a random last name, and then tell my family today we are going to be the “___________” family. They think I’ve lost my mind, but we all need to relax and find simple ways to have fun. Well, wait a minute, most of us haven’t been to a restaurant in a long time. 

Instead, let’s remember back years ago when you would go to a restaurant hostess and give them your name and number in your party. Do you remember when they would also ask, “Do you prefer smoking or non-smoking?” I bet most of you have forgotten that we used to have those sections in restaurants. That causes me to reflect on the many ways that our society and culture have changed over time. 

Things that were once considered acceptable are now called inappropriate, and things that were once considered taboo are now called acceptable. In some ways, this is expected. Every culture changes over time, and it is true that time changes things. However, there is a problem when we allow culture to shift and accept things that God in His Word clearly rejects.

The danger that we must guard against is allowing social awareness to erode our sin consciousness. We cannot “walk as the Gentiles” and accept a philosophy of whatever you feel is right for you is right. We have a standard that God has provided to help us walk in His way and His will. 

God offers a promise in Matthew 5:4 that He favors those who “mourn” for their sin. This is the heaviest word for sorrow that the Greek language could provide. To think that my actions can break the heart of God should result in a mournful spirit in my attitude for sin and motivate me to make different choices.

The power of Matthew 5:4 lies in the promise of God’s comfort. He stands with us and for us! We are not alone, even when we fail. We are not alone, even when we make the wrong choices. He is with us. He is for us!

Rest in that with a spirit of peace and confidence. Even in my sin, I can approach His throne with humble confidence that He loves me and hears me when I cry to Him.

I urge you today to reflect on your attitude toward sin and be broken, but more so to walk in renewed confidence of who you are in Him. Your actions or failures do not define you. You are defined by who Christ is in you!