Christ > culture.
Many aspects of our mainstream culture may seem appealing and it may seem like everyone else is going that way. But as a follower of Christ, you are not called to go down that same path. You are called to go against the grain and live differently.
Many people will think that being obedient to Jesus and following him is a lifestyle that is unfulfilling, boring and a waste. That could not be further from the truth. The truth is that following Jesus will bring you real freedom, hope, joy, and peace that this world and its culture could never give you. It is only in Christ that we will find our true purpose.
Don’t fall into the trap that says living life however you see fit will bring you freedom and happiness. Our feelings and heart are fleeting and will get us lost, confused, and broken. But following Christ always leads to total freedom and life.
Jesus never said it would be easy. He never said you wouldn’t have problems. He actually said you would have problems and that you can count on being disliked by the world for being different and following him. But he did say that when we follow him, he will meet us, guide us, and bless our lives with his love, joy, and peace.
I choose to follow Jesus and not the fleeting ways of this world. There is only one path that leads to eternal life and fullness of life right now – and that is through Christ Jesus.
Father, give us the courage to follow you no matter where you take us. Help us to throw off the sin that so easily entangles us and the ways of this world and seek after you with our whole hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
“Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.”” Mark 8:34-38
