Last week, I shared my views of how we, as Christians, should react to culture: with Godly Love. This week I would like to share what I think our Christian culture should embrace. As a basis of this assertion I rely on Paul’s admonition in his letter to the Philippian church:

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.  The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9

We see what the world embraces every time we turn on the television to watch popular prime time television. What would not have been allowed on the air 40 years ago is celebrated whole-heartedly by today’s culture. Oftentimes even Christians embrace the culture. In my last post I made a point of stressing that we need to love people with care. However, I did not really address the culture itself. Today’s culture presents an unhealthy picture of what is important. When you read through posts on Facebook, you only see the best pictures of a person’s life. There are even filters available to make you look better by fuzzing imperfections. The beautiful sunset or sunrise over a landscape is shared, but you see nothing of the personal struggles that person goes through on a daily basis. Many people attempt to hide information about themselves that they think might make others look down on them. If you flip through a magazine or catalog you see beautiful people with beautiful smiles seemingly without a care in the world, but substance abuse and personal problems of the rich and famous are also fodder for the paparazzi who pursue them. When someone is “rich” then it seems that they have no problems, right? Wrong. Troubles follow us no matter how it may seem from the outside. Everyone is seeking after the quick fix for their problems in today’s culture: the new diet, the newest fashion, a new relationship, a new job, a new car, a new house, the perfect pet, the perfect child, a better school, the right friends….

If you listen to today’s media driven culture then image is everything. Ecclesiastes opens with this statement: ” ‘Vanity of vanities,’ says the Preacher; ‘Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.’ ” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) The Preacher in this statement shared an important point about image: it is meaningless, empty. Jesus asked: “What does is profit a man to gain the whole world, but lose his soul?” (Mark 8:36) Jesus pointed out that materialism is not the answer we should be seeking. John warned us about the cardinal points of temptation and sin: “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (I John 2:16b); his warning that these things are of the world and not of God is a admonition against being drawn into worldly pursuits. We have ample warnings of the futility of following with the world’s culture.

What of Christian culture? What should a Christian embrace as values? I refer back to Paul’s letter to the Philippians. What things are true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, virtuous and praiseworthy should be of value to the Christian. These inspired a positive testimony in Pliny’s letter to Trajan in which he gave this account of early Christian behavior:

That they were wont, on a stated day, to meet together before it was light, and to sing a hymn to Christ, as to a god, alternately; and to oblige themselves by a sacrament [or oath], not to do anything that was ill: but that they would commit no theft, or pilfering, or adultery; that they would not break their promises, or deny what was deposited with them, when it was required back again; after which it was their custom to depart, and to meet again at a common but innocent meal,

contained in a letter from Pliny to Emperor Trajan

If only the worst that could be said of Christians is that we come together early, sing hymns, and pledge to one another not to violate commandments but keep our promises and pay our debts, and share a meal, then I would say that Christian culture is not altogether bad. That should be our culture. When we concern ourselves with the things of this world then we go astray. I would encourage every Christian reading this post to support your fellow Christians in their endeavors. Buy from a Christian store owner, read Christian authors, watch Christian programming, and frequent Christian restaurants. Does it mean that because these are Christian businesses that they are free from the world’s influence? Not by any means. However, if we are holding one another accountable for what we produce and how we do business then the testimony about us should be similar to that of Pliny’s of early Christians. As we live, our conduct should reflect truth, nobility, justice and purity. Will we be perfect? No, but our lives will be better for our pursuit of these values. I can think of worse things to be condemned for than that of being a virtuous person.

So, when you are browsing Facebook (and, yes, I am on Facebook, too) or are watching primetime television (I am guilty of tuning in occasionally as well), remember that you should balance that time with worthwhile pursuits like reading scripture, praying, and, of course, ministering to those in need. Take a little time when you are watching that beautiful sunrise to reflect on God’s grace; take a walk and contemplate how you can show God’s mercy to others; read a book that inspires you to help those in need. This is true Christian culture. Remember: the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost….(Romans 5:5b)

God Bless and Keep You,

Greg Ridge