Christians need to be counter-cultural. Not simply by voting or participating in the political process, but even more significant by living counter-culturally. What are the moral inclinations of our society? What philosophy is being propagated in our culture? How do the moral values of our society clash with the God-given values of the Bible?
A Counter-Cultural Christian’s Relationship must reveal . . .
Submission |
not |
selfishness |
Service |
not |
demands |
Sincerity |
not |
hypocrisy |
Sacrifice |
not |
unyieldedness |
Others |
not |
self |
Compassion |
not |
hostility |
|
not |
license |
Obedience |
not |
self-will |
Unity |
not |
division |
Authenticity |
not |
deception |
Availability |
not |
unreliability |
Accountability |
not |
independence |
Assurance |
not |
judgment |
A Counter-Cultural Christian’s Character must demonstrate. . .
Love |
not |
hate |
Joy |
not |
dismay |
Peace |
not |
stress |
Patience |
not |
anxiety |
Kindness |
not |
rudeness |
Goodness |
not |
corruption |
Faithfulness |
not |
disloyalty |
Gentleness |
not |
cruelty |
Self-control |
not |
lack of discipline |
A Counter-Cultural Christian’s Thoughts must be . . .
True |
not |
false |
Noble |
not |
common |
Right |
not |
improper |
Pure |
not |
corrupt |
Lovely |
not |
obnoxious |
Admirable |
not |
contemptible |
Excellent |
not |
mediocre |
Praiseworthy |
not |
unsuitable |
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (ESV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (ESV)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (ESV)