Why Christianity Is Now the Counterculture
The world is changing rapidly.
Technology is quickly adapting and advancing to keep up with current events and recent crises.
People are growing more accustomed to their lives being comfortable and convenient. If there is something a person wants or needs, they need only to place an Amazon order or do an online search to have immediate results.
We see and experience great results with little effort every day.
The problem is that the concept of convenience is not only emphasized in our physical lives, but it has seeped into our ideologies.
Interestingly, Jesus says in John 15, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, the world therefore hates you” (John 15:18-19).
If we, as Christians in the world’s Western civilizations are honest with ourselves, we have experienced very little hatred for our beliefs.
We have heard stories of people who have been persecuted for their faith, but those stories typically take place in other nations, far removed from our situation. In America, we have had to suffer very little for what we believe in, and this has caused the preeminent societal ideas of convenience and comfort to seep into our beliefs.
Our nation was founded on Christian principles. We are mostly comfortable because, for years, the core values of our faith have matched with the values of the world around us.
But as we know, the world is changing rapidly.
The phrase “post-Christian” is a buzzword in society right now. This is the idea that a culture that was once rooted in Christian values and beliefs begins to reject and forget those values in favor of secularism, modernism, agnosticism and so forth.
Most experts agree that the United States is a post-Christian nation. We are moving away from the original values in favor of those that go against the Bible.
The move to a post-Christian society is not a political issue; this is an issue involving the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. Our leadership is continually being motivated by convenience and greed. There is a lack of mutual respect for any viewpoint that is counter to the one generally accepted by society.
Society is changing, and Christian values are losing ground.
It is vital to understand that, as Christians, we are going to be considered countercultural. Jesus was countercultural.
3 Things We Need to Keep in Mind in Our Changing World
1. Stand on the Word. The Word is our primary source and contains the truth of what we believe. We must cling to the Word, meditating on it day and night, so that when we are tested, we will be able to stand.
2. Understand that there is power in persecution. Jesus said in John 12, “Truly, truly I say to you unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24). The book of James says that we should consider it joy when we encounter trials, for the testing of our faith produces endurance (James 1:23).
3. Continue in the Great Commission. Although the world may reject the ideas of Christianity, the world still needs a Savior. Humanity is hungry for real connection and unconditional love, which we know can only be found in Jesus.
Do not grow weary or be discouraged, for the fields are still ripe for harvest. Stand on the Word, understand the power of persecution and continue to be a witness for Christ!
We are coming to a point where we will have to choose between Jesus and the world. Jesus said it would happen.
However, we need not fear. Jesus has overcome the world.
“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).
You’re beautiful. I see Jesus in you.
Have a great week. {eoa}
Mikel French has challenged spiritual awakening all across America, where many celebrations extended into multiple weeks, and has conducted celebrations in France, Sweden, Russia, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Moldova, Serbia, Germany, South Africa, Malawi, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Haiti, Japan, Singapore, India and Thailand. He conducted an outreach celebration in Manila, Philippines, reaching 200,000 teenagers with the book of hope. Through the generous support of partners, he has presented the message of Jesus Christ to millions of people in the nation of Russia through televised citywide soul-winning celebrations. Mikel considers it an honor to assist in conducting the annual pastor’s conference, where thousands of pastors from Russia’s 11 time zones come for training, teaching and equipping. Mikel and his wife, Marsha, reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
