Grace's Answer to Kingdom Culture

 

*Grace's Answer to Kingdom Culture:* The church of Jesus Christ carries with it a 'Kingdom culture" which supersedes (or replaces) all of our earthly cultures. The Bible, too, encapsulates (or carries) this culture of Jesus.

Think about the culture of your surrounding society. Where does your culture differ from the 'Kingdom culture' of the Bible? Discuss how it would benefit from following Bible values and culture, instead of their cultural practices.

Kingdom Culture and Society Culture

Materialism is worshipped here in our country. In Canada, people place high value on where one fits into society, concerning career, titles, or degrees in education. Ownership of cars, houses, boats, art, and toys are proof of success. 

Canadians are proud of the fact that we are theoretically inclusive in all our cultures, but in reality, degrees, titles, or accomplishments will bring a person more respect, admiration, and popularity.  As a result, our society suffers from tunnel vision. They are self centered, focused on only what will bring them success, accolades, and worship of self. A favor granted is for the purpose of that person owing one in return. Such individuals keep a list of who owes them favors, to be called in when needed. 

Getting to the top is more important than how they get there. If one has to cheat a little, slander the competition, or exaggerate their resume, so be it. All is fair if the end result is worth it. The concept is, “if you don’t fight for what you want, no one else will fight for you”. “Don’t trust anyone but yourself with your life or future”. Be independent!

In being introduced to a person, most people want to know how you measure up to them in society. One of the first questions you will be asked is, “What do you do for a living?” In other words, your value is judged on your position economically, in whether you make more or less than the person asking the question. “The next question people want to know is, “What neighbourhood do you live in?” “Do you own your house, or do you rent?” 

When looking for a perspective marriage partner, economic statis sits high on the scale on whether or not you would make a good spouse. People want to know whether you are worth investing their time in before they pursue a relationship.

Middle class individuals follow Hollywood styles in personal appearance, brand-name labels of clothing, phones, cars, music, movies, entertainment, clubs, friends, and acquaintances. Hollywood culture also dictates what people do and how they behave and perform to impress peers, in how they walk, sit, carry their bodies, and interact with others. Most people want to be known as someone of importance, so they act the part even if they have no accomplishments to show for it. 

In contrast to the self-serving tunnel vision of our culture, kingdom culture is about relationships; both vertical and horizontal vision. We keep looking up for direction and strength as we look to the needs of those around us. It’s an up close and personal focus for the purpose of glorifying our Lord through serving others. 

Philippians 2:4(ESV)

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, 

but also to the interests of others.

We are to live the way Jesus lived. We should share what we have received by the grace of God. We would seek the lost, teach and train the believer, and disciple those who seek to serve so that they can reproduce godly traits in the lives of others through the same process. 

Jesus came to serve, not to be served. We are to give our lives in service of others for the glory of God.

Matthew 20:28(ESV)

even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, 

and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Christ loves every individual for who they are, unconditionally. The rich and poor are offered the same love and respect. But as humans, we are not able to love unconditionally in our own strength. The only way we can love individuals the way God commands us to, is to first love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. Then He will enable us to love others selflessly without expecting anything in return. (Mark 12:29-31)

Kingdom culture exemplifies others focused; you first, me last. Self-centered pride gives way to humility. 

James 4:10(ESV)

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Give up control to the One who is in control. There is peace in surrender. Independence bows to interdependency; we need each other. Competition becomes encouragement and assisting as a team. A shame-based hand-out in charity, progresses into a hand-up in support and relationship. Choose empathy over sympathy; put your faith into action.

James 2:15 -16(ESV)

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 

and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” 

without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?

There is a saying, “It is lonely at the top”. Mostly this is because the person climbing the ladder of success has stepped on, used, and taken advantage of people to get there. He has neglected relationships, friendships, family, and marriage to obtain his goals. He succeeds in career, but fails in almost every other area of his life. He finishes his days in loneliness, meaninglessness, and regrets. His bank account may be full, but his life is empty.

Kingdom culture is the opposite of earthly culture. We focus on giving rather than receiving, serving rather than being served, relationships rather than self-centeredness. We live with the overflowing of the fruit of the spirit into nurturing the lives of others in discipleship. We end our lives surrounded by loved ones, filled with peace, and overflowing with joy. 

It seems to me that if one could only see the end from the beginning and the rewards of living a kingdom culture life, they would most likely choose relationships over career. They would worship God rather than self.