Living Under God's Influence in a Culture Pulling Away

In a world that seems to be drifting further from God's truth, how can we as believers stay anchored in our faith? This question becomes increasingly relevant as we navigate a culture that often stands in opposition to biblical values. The challenge lies not just in recognizing these influences, but in actively choosing to live under God's mighty hand rather than succumbing to the sway of societal norms.
The apostle Peter offers us a powerful starting point: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time" (1 Peter 5:6). This verse invites us to reflect on our own lives and ask ourselves a crucial question: Are we truly living under God's influence, or have we unknowingly allowed culture to shape our thoughts, actions, and beliefs?
To answer this, we must examine various aspects of our lives:

1. Entertainment: What captivates our attention and fills our leisure time? Are we mindful of the content we consume, or do we simply follow the crowd?
2. Finances: How do we approach our money? Do we view it as a gift from God to be stewarded wisely, or are we driven by consumerism and instant gratification?
3. Speech: Do our words build up or tear down? Are we speaking life and encouragement, or do we find ourselves caught up in gossip and negativity?
4. Self-worth: Where do we derive our value? Is it rooted in God's unconditional love, or are we constantly seeking validation from others and external sources?

The danger lies in our potential blindness to these influences. Much like someone under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not realize their impaired state, we too can be oblivious to how deeply cultural norms have permeated our thinking and behavior.
To illustrate this point, we can look to the story of Daniel in the Old Testament. As a young man, Daniel was taken captive by the Babylonians and thrust into a foreign culture intent on reshaping his identity. The Babylonian strategy was comprehensive – they sought to change Daniel's language, education, diet, and even his name. Their goal was clear: by altering his entire worldview, they hoped to transform him into a loyal Babylonian servant.
This ancient tactic mirrors the subtle ways our current culture attempts to mold us. The enemy of our souls, Satan, employs similar strategies. His aim is to gradually shift our thinking, knowing that changed thoughts lead to changed beliefs, which ultimately result in changed behavior.
So how do we resist this cultural pull and remain firmly under God's influence? The key lies in Daniel's response: "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way" (Daniel 1:8).
The Hebrew word used for "resolved" here signifies a strong determination or fixed purpose. Daniel made a conscious decision to stand firm in his convictions, even in the face of immense pressure. This resolve is what we need to cultivate in our own lives.
It's important to note that we can't be halfway followers of Jesus. Righteousness and holiness don't happen by accident – they require intentional, consistent effort. Just as we wouldn't expect to get in shape by exercising once a month, or build a strong marriage through occasional communication, we can't expect to grow spiritually by engaging with God sporadically.
To live under God's influence in a culture pulling away, we must:

1. Resolve to Trust God's Truth: Make a firm decision to anchor ourselves in God's Word, even when it contradicts popular opinion.
2. Identify Areas of Compromise: Honestly evaluate where we might have unknowingly adopted cultural values that don't align with biblical principles.
3. Take Decisive Action: Determine specific steps to realign our lives with God's will. This might involve changing habits, adjusting priorities, or removing certain influences.
4. Embrace Sacrifice: Recognize that living for God may require giving up things that the world deems important or pleasurable.
5. Seek Accountability: Surround ourselves with fellow believers who can encourage us and help us stay on track.
6. Cultivate Spiritual Disciplines: Regularly engage in prayer, Bible study, worship, and fellowship to strengthen our connection with God.

The contrast between cultural values and God's truth is stark. While culture often pushes us to pursue temporary happiness and material gain, Jesus calls us to seek eternal treasures and holiness. By consciously choosing to live under God's influence, we position ourselves to experience true fulfillment and purpose.
As we navigate this journey, it's crucial to approach it with humility. We must be open to God revealing areas where we've drifted, asking Him to shine His light on any deception we've embraced. This process of examination and realignment is ongoing, requiring vigilance and perseverance.
In conclusion, living under God's influence in a culture that's increasingly hostile to faith is no small feat. It demands intentionality, courage, and a willingness to swim against the current. However, the rewards are immeasurable. As we resolve to trust God and align our lives with His truth, we'll discover a depth of relationship with Him that transcends anything the world can offer.
Let us take a moment to reflect: What one thing can we resolve to do today to live more fully under God's influence? And what might we need to give up to make room for His presence and guidance in our lives? As we ponder these questions and take action, may we find ourselves growing stronger in faith, more resistant to cultural pressures, and more deeply rooted in the unchanging love of our Heavenly Father.