11 ways we become our culture

I recently had a conversation with a young relative who works in an office where profanity, nasty jokes, and bizarre religions abound. Every day as she sits behind her desk and diligently does her work, she struggles with the atmosphere. While she enjoys her job and her boss is easy to work for, the days can wear on her. This young person asked for prayer that she would not become like her culture as it can be tempting at times to just give in and adhere to it. She also asked for prayer that she would be a “light” in an increasingly dark world where she is the only Believer in her office.

My relative’s dilemma is not unique. Most of us work in an atmosphere that is contrary, or even hostile at times, to our Christian faith. It’s not a stretch to one day wake up and realize we’ve become just like the ones we spend most of our time with.

We become like our culture when:

There is no difference between us and the world. It’s unfortunately becoming more difficult to differentiate between Christians and those who are not Christians. 1 Peter 5:8 tells us, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.“

We “sell out” for the things that matter to the world, but not to God. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Matthew 16:26

We focus on the temporary rather than the eternal. It can be easy to center our attention on things that matter in the “here and now”. It can be tempting to idolize people, fancy cars, money, and things, rather than the One deserving of our worship.

We don’t guard our eyes and hearts against things that could damage our testimony. Social media and the internet, while amazing in so many ways, have opened up a new door to temptation. We must be diligent in praying God would help us to guard our eyes and hearts.

We are afraid to share the Truth of salvation and that it can only be found in Jesus.

We aren’t discerning about who we align ourselves with and/or who we are influenced by. Yes, in order to reach a dying world, we must interact with, be kind to, and befriend those outside of our Christian faith. We are not to live in a bubble. However, when we are closest to those whose behavior is in direct opposition to the Word of God, we may soon find it is their behavior that impacts us, rather than the other way around (1 Corinthians 15:33). In addition, when we don’t practice discernment in the pastors, podcasts, music we listen to, movies we watch, and books we read, we can find ourselves influenced by false theology.

We aren’t mindful of what we share on social media. Does it glorify God? Will what we share cause someone to stumble?

We see the Bible as some in the world see it: an antiquated old book with vintage ideas rather than the Holy Word of God.

We don’t use our sphere of influence for Him. Are we using every opportunity available to us?

When we focus on hopelessness rather than the hope that is found in Him. As Believers, no matter how bad things get in the world around us (and there are some horrific and awful things taking place in our world right now) we have the hope of eternal life. We know it ends well. As such, we can’t live like someone with no hope.

We allow bad habits to manifest into permanency rather than pray for God’s assistance in overcoming them. Bad habits are a challenge and without the Lord’s help and the guidance of fellow Believers, they can be difficult, if not impossible to overcome.

In general, we become our culture when we conform to that culture.

How do we combat becoming like our culture?

Stay steadfast in prayer.

Surround ourselves with Bible-based Believers.

Pray continually for God’s protection (Ephesians 6:10-18) and pray for the protection of fellow Believers.

Keep our focus on Jesus.

Spend time in His Word each day.

Be in this world, but not of it. We reside here, but we needn’t subscribe to the culture’s morals and concepts.

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Before you go, check out these other posts:

seeing the potential

the power of prayer: surviving Papa’s driving

what to do when it’s difficult to love others

is Forgotten Memories the book for you?

conquering the joy zappers of life

how to start a sisters in Christ group

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10 suggestions for dealing with the corona virus situation

The Corona virus has caused a panic that has been unparalleled in recent years. Lack of food on the grocery store shelves, rationing, quarantines, school and business closures, job  losses, and travel restrictions have suddenly become the new normal.

There’s a lot fear involved in such huge changes. People respond in different ways. Some remain calm and steadfast in their reliance on God, some struggle with depression and anxiety, and others resort to crime. One of my friends saw someone filling up a Mason jar with hand sanitizer from the dispenser at the hospital. Another person was stealing disinfectant wipes. (Yes, from a hospital!)

Still others fear daily how they will cope with the never-ending media hitting us from all directions.

Today when we made a grocery store run, we noticed that the store shelves were becoming bare with some aisles having no food/supplies at all. The panic we are facing has escalated into bizarre proportions. What can we do in the midst of all this craziness?

1. Pray. Pray for the health and safety of your family and friends. For wisdom for our leaders. For calm in the face of panic.

2. Eat healthy. (No one does it perfectly. Do the best you can). Strive for healthy snacks that have long shelf lives, such as pumpkin and sunflower seeds, almonds, and air-popped popcorn.

3. Get outside! Vitamin D is good for the immune system and fresh air is an added bonus.

4. Stay hydrated.

5. Keep your stress levels down. Yes, make sure you are staying up-to-date with the current happenings, but limit your exposure to the media. It can be toxic.

6. Help those less fortunate.

7. Get some exercise*. Studies have shown that exercise is an immune system builder. This can easily be done at home. Some suggestions? Jumproping, walking throughout your house (including going up and down the stairs), lifting some weights (bottles of water work great if you don’t have dumbbells), dancing to your favorite music, playing tag (or hide and seek!) with your kids, or heading outside (if you are able) for a walk, job, or bike ride. A chiropractor friend of mine also notes that getting adjusted can help your immune system.

8. Stay busy. If your job has asked you to work from home, you’ve been quarantined, or you are “socially distancing” yourself by staying home, be sure to stay busy. Most of us go at a crazy-busy pace. While we should be able to take a deep breath and strive for some relaxation during this stressful time, it’s also important to keep busy and fill your day with productivity. Whether its tackling some clutter, working on that new project you’ve put on the back burner, or immersing yourself in that TBR pile of books, keep your mind and body active.

9. Stay social. Connecting with others is important (and not just for those of us who are extroverts!) Reach out to that special relative you haven’t spoken to in awhile would love to hear from you.

10. Most importantly? Lean on the Lord. The Corona virus did not catch Him unaware. Give your anxieties and fears to Him. He loves and cares about you more than you can ever fathom.

*Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.

the one prayer policy

As I do each morning, I spend quiet time with the Lord praying and reading the Bible before embarking on my day. Sometimes the prayer lists are extensive, especially when the Lord brings to mind those people I need to pray for due to health issues, financial struggles, relationship issues, natural disasters, comfort due to a loss in their lives, or for the salvation of an unsaved loved one.

“Oh, and Lord, could you please help…”

“Oh, and please come alongside…”

“Oh, and also, can you give peace and comfort to…”

“Oh, and…”

The list goes on and on. As an avid prayer warrior, I have found that there is no shortage of prayers needed for those around us. Whether it be those we know and love or those we have never met.

I am so grateful that the Lord doesn’t say, “Now, Penny. You’re prayer limit has been reached. Please reserve the remaining prayers for another day.”

Or…

“Sorry, Penny. Your one prayer is all you are allotted for the day. Pick which prayer that will be, pray it, then return tomorrow with another prayer.”

No, instead, God tells us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to be “faithful in prayer” (Romans 12:12).

In Ephesians 6:18, He tells us, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.“Jeremiah 29:12 says, “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” It doesn’t say, pray only once or twice and reach the prayer quota, then be done.

No, the Lord welcomes our prayers. Prayers throughout the day. Prayers on any topic or for anyone.

No limits.

No maximum.

No one-prayer policy.

On that note, I think it’s time for a prayer of gratitude!