Culture is a dirty bowl in which we swim, blind to the world outside the foggy walls. When we’re immersed in something so thoroughly we lose awareness that it may well not be reality, or at least not reality in the fullest sense.
The world you think you inhabit, is formed to conform you to its image. No one in their right mind would wear some of the clothes we wear, until everyone is wearing them. The ideologies that at one time would have been clearly seen for their absurdity are now embraced as common progressive wisdom, even though they are just as dumb and nonsensical as they ever were.
Drip, drip, drip from our screens and devices, desensitizing us to right living, and eternal values. God and His holy nature and rule are sidelined in favor of the latest trend.
Here in the post-modern West (or are me now post-post modern? I’ve lost count of the milestones we have crossed) our culture is drowned in materialism, bowed obediently at the feet of the twin Gods of Accumulation and Accomplishment. Both are harsh taskmasters, never satisfied however much we lay at their feet.
Early mornings and late nights sacrifice family and health on the altar.
Oh, great god of repute and prestige, wouldst thou see fit to grant me an iPhone 13 plus pro max with an extra shot and a side of fries.
Immortal goddess, bless thy servant with seven more hours in thy appointed day of busyness to work the last few breaths of my skinny backside off.
Steeped!
How easy it is to fail to appreciate the pervasive nature of culture, and how hard to see beyond our own traditions. Our world is the world, just as the bowl of the goldfish is her vast kingdom, with glassy walls keeping her safely incarcerated.
This is why Paul was compelled to write:
“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].” (Romans 12:2 AMP)
God has a good, acceptable, indeed, perfect will for you, and surprise, surprise, it lays outside the bounds of present-day cultural norms.
His perfect way is not driven by market dynamics. The way of Christ is not herded by the modern heroes of stage and screen. It’s not measured by money, likes, follows, sales, subscribers, or man-made meters of any kind.
Awareness of our condition is not automatic. Just because we think we know our state doesn’t mean we actually do. It takes intentionality to extract ourselves from the greedy grip of modernity and reclaim the ancient paths.
“This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jeremiah 6:16 NIV)
The alarming thing is the answer given by the people of Jeremiah’s day:
“We will not walk in it.” (Jeremiah 6:16)
Are we saying the same thing when instead of ancient paths of peace we choose the frantic search for significance? When we forsake the abundant life in Christ to scramble for our piece of the world’s more-is-never-enough pie?
God’s ways are not heavy. His commandments are not burdensome.
John the beloved apostle so beautifully reminds us:
“This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” (1 John 5:3–4 NIV)
Let the world scrap it out for the crumbs under the table. Instead, come sit with Christ and eat heartily of His truths and love.
Here as a starter is a juicy morsel from Isaiah. An appetizer to prepare your heart for a lifetime of feasting with the King:
“Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.” (Isaiah 55:1–3 KJV)
Bon Appetit!
