Culture Wars

Culture Wars: This is the topic of our current Connect series on Sunday nights. This phrase or idea has become common place, especially as we come out of another election season. What do we mean when we talk about culture wars? What are we fighting? Who are we fighting against? Should we be fighting? 

I have been reflecting on this as we go through our Culture Wars series. Our culture will always be in a battle of some kind or another because there is a spiritual battle that will continue until Jesus returns. However, our battle is not against flesh and blood as Paul writes: 

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

We are fighting against evil spiritual forces that are contrary to God and His Word. We are called to stand for truth and put on the spiritual armor of God. 

It is important to remember that this battle is first and foremost a spiritual battle. As a follower of Christ, my goal is not to destroy those who do not follow Him but to win them for Christ. My goal is not their destruction but their salvation. Therefore, I need to keep this in mind when we have debates and stand for truth. This does not mean we should soften our convictions or stands for truth. What it does mean is that we share truth with compassion, praying for change. 

We are not fighting sinful culture to try and merely establish a good moral culture. While a good moral culture is preferred to one that is grossly immoral, sin can thrive in either setting. 

This past Sunday Pastor Andy did a great job of presenting God’s design for sex. Our culture has taken on a distorted and perverse view of sex. We must look to God and stand on the truth of His Word to have a proper understanding of sex. God has created a world with good and amazing gifts; however, when we distort those gifts we bring about ugly consequences. 

God’s Word is the standard for truth. He has graciously given it to us so that we can follow Him. As we think through the plethora of issues that plague our culture, let us look to share the love and truth of Christ. Whether we live in a moral or immoral culture, we will need to stand for Christ. May we fight this battle to win souls and give hope.

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15