In a culture that pushes hard the ways and wisdom of this world, it can be hard to follow the ways and wisdom of God’s Word. The world uses convincing arguments–philosophy–that attract believers. We may find ourselves attracted to cultural positions because we have loved ones these positions apply to. These loved ones may be kind, do community service and are upstanding United States citizens but have committed themselves to “living their truth” in the name of being grown. And because they are upstanding citizens, grown and we love them, we not only embrace them but embrace their ways of the world, even justify them. And sometimes it’s not us doing that just for our loved ones; we do that for ourselves, and if anyone tries to check us, we get offended. The world’s philosophies have penetrated our hearts so much so that we sometimes present vigorous arguments that match the tenor of the world.
We have to ask ourselves why it is so hard for us to receive the truth of God’s Word. To help us unveil why it may be hard to receive those truths and to prepare ourselves to receive them, we can examine three areas of our lives: our position; our paradigm; and our practice.
Examine Your Position—Before you can examine the second and third areas, you have to first make sure you are securely positioned in Christ. Are you a Christian because you have placed your faith in Christ as your Savior and Lord? So ask yourself, am I saved?—(2 Corinthians 13:5; Romans 10:9-10)
Examine Your Paradigm—Once you know that you belong to Christ, you have to examine your paradigm. Do your beliefs contradict the teachings of the Bible or do you believe the Word of God is the final authority for your life? Ask yourself, am I satisfied?—(2 Tim. 3:16-17; Romans 15:4)
Examine Your Practice—Do your habits reflect someone who is satisfied with the Word of God being the final authority in your life? Examining your habits will indicate if you are living out what it means to be set apart unto the Lord, walking in sanctification. Ask yourself, am I sanctified?—(Psalm 26; Mark 3:35, 8:35)
Here are two final questions to ask yourself as you examine your position, paradigm and practice: Do I allow my circumstances to shape my view of the Lord or His Word? Do I allow the culture to dictate the veracity of Scripture? Remember, the Word warns us that there will be false Christs and prophets who arise that will be so convincing that even some believers would get deceived, if that were possible (Matthew 24:24). So, we have to be increasingly vigilant so that we don’t begin to accept the wrong that is presented as right and the right that is presented as wrong. Living lives that reflect that we stand on God’s Word is countercultural and will make clear to whom we have pledged our allegiance.
