TWO GREAT GIFTS
15th Jun 2016
Culture is something we are not aware of whilst we live within its influence. It is only when we move into a different culture, set of values, and behavioural expectation, we begin to evaluate the differences, and possibly see how much we are products of our own upbringing.
Peter tells his hearers in Acts 2:40, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” The Message says, “Get out of this sick and stupid culture”, into the Kingdom of God and its culture of love, obedience to the authority of our King, and living by His wisdom and seeing things from His perspective.
Often people have to put the Kingdom of God culture above the expectations of friends and family, it’s costly to do this, but even as we are living in the world of today, we are also living in a parallel Kingdom, and if we claim Jesus is Lord, then let us live it.
He has given us the written word as a guide to Kingdom living, He has given His Spirit to lead us and teach us the ways of the King. He has promised resources to navigate this new way of living, and He has promised that following His ways will lead to life in all its fullness.
Two great gifts that come with Jesus are wisdom and authority. Wisdom always knows what to do, when to do it and how to do it. Godly authority rules in a given situation and enforces what the King wants, much like a traffic cop enforcing the law of the country. We ourselves are dealing with everyday life just as others, but because of the resources of the King of Kings we are able to rule.
So check how much your culture has influenced you? Are you subservient to what the world around you decides or to the King of Kings? One leads to slavery and death, the other promises life.
Choose life - for yourself and your family.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
