Romans 12:2 AMP
2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be [a]transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
Culture can be defined as a way of life. It is the values, ideas, customs and social behavior of a people. Culture is affected by several things like the environment, language, values and moral codes. Every human being is born into a culture, a way of life and as they grow and mature, they are taught and begin to practice this way of life. Different nations have different cultures, and that is why many people mention a culture shock when they visit another nation or people group.
The kingdom of heaven also has a culture, a way of life, a set of values and expected social behavior. The foundation of every culture is how a people think collectively because how you think determines what you do and how you behave.
When we come into the kingdom of God, we must change the way we think. We are to no longer conform to the values and customs of this world. This is important because if we do not change our thinking, nothing in our lives will change. We must be renewed in our mind and begin to focus on godly values and ethical attitudes. This can only happen if we take the time to read the word and apply it in our lives. This is why we must meditate on the word, think about what it says.
When God delivered the children of Israel from Egypt, he told them that when they get to the land of promise, they should not imitate the detestable ways of the people they find there. God gave them laws that they were to adhere to, a new way of thinking, a new way of life.
One of the gaps we have in the church is discipleship. We win people to the Lord, but we do not take them through discipleship which is basically teaching them to think and do differently according to the word rather than how they have been living their life. The reality is, many of us were not discipled, and so we have people who are part of God’s kingdom, yet they are adopting a culture that is not from the kingdom they profess to belong to, and they wonder why they do not see results.
What culture do you subscribe to?
Reflections
If you are to look at your life currently, what are the values that are directing how you live life?
When your traditional culture conflicts with the kingdom culture, which one do you give in to?
Were you discipled and are you discipling someone?
