When I graduated high school (in the olden days), the #1 book on the New York Times Bestseller List was Alvin Toffler’s “Future Shock.” Toffler devoted himself to predict life in the future with political and technological changes coming at us in ever-increasing speed. He wrote that we would be forced to adapt more often to new concepts and new kinds of work. It would be a culture shock. Toffler said in the past we made a decision and that was that … but in the future, we would make a decision and wonder what will happen next. I think Toffler was on to something as we now witness culture wars, sexual revolution, changes in our basic social units, and more changes than we can keep up with.
For believers we witness change all around us. Researcher George Barna states the percentage of adults who read the Bible one time a week or more is declining. Those who do not believe that the Bible is relevant in all principles it teaches is rapidly declining. How are Christians to respond to a rapidly changing culture?
Dr. Jm Denison recently said, “we are not to change culture, but keep culture from changing us. Why would anyone want what we have to offer if it’s no different than what they already have? “ That started me thinking.
Scripture tells us the story of Joseph, the youngest son of Jacob. Joseph was a dreamer, favored by his father, and his brothers didn’t like that a bit. They devised a plan to get rid of Joseph and sold him into slavery while leading their father to believe he had been killed by predators. But God had different plans for Joseph. At 17-years-of-age, Joseph is thrust into slavery and shipped to Egypt. Over time, God elevated Joseph to a position of power, and the key that elevated Joseph was his ability to interpret dreams. You can read the account in the Book of Genesis 37-50.
By reading this story, we find that he was a man of great integrity. He was tried and tested by events in life that could have left him bitter or angry. Instead, he had a close relationship with God where he was found to be steadfast, despite undeserved adversities and trials he was forced to endure. What amazes me is that a youth of 17 held steadfast to his faith. Egypt did not conform Joseph; instead, Joseph transformed those around him.
Today you and I must choose between following a fallen world or following our faith. We can be conformed to the culture or transformed by Christ, but we cannot be both.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Romans 12:2
Tagged: Christians in culture, scripture
