Why Live Counter Culturally?

I suppose before we go any further in this discussion, we need to answer this question, right? Why does it really matter if our lives look different from the world in which we live? For me, there are two primary reasons:

When we remember this world is not our home, our lives point to the Truth.

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:11-12

When we are transformed into the image of Christ, we experience freedom.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

This past Wednesday as I was teaching from John 7 through 9, I reminded the women in my Bible study class this world isn’t the end for us. In the words of the old hymn, ” and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” When we set our eyes upon the kingdom of heaven, pursuing the eternal over the earthly, we won’t look like this world. But we will point others to Him, to the Truth that saves and redeems. And in that truth, we find freedom unlike any we have ever known.

When those things of earth grow dim, we find new clarity, new focus, new freedom. We look at people in light of eternity and the Gospel becomes the passion of our hearts. We look at situations to see how God is working and how we can join Him. We walk with those facing sorrow and heartache and point to the One who hears every cry, bottles every tear, and will one day wipe all those tears away with His tender touch. We face suffering with joy knowing we are growing in our faith and that we are never once left alone.

A counter cultural life is more than social justice and getting involved in causes. Lots of people who don’t know Jesus Christ are engaging in social justice and getting involved. What sets us apart? Our reason for engaging … we live differently from the world because we ARE different! We are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17) and we are being transformed day by day, moment by moment, into the image of Christ.

In Romans 12:2, Paul admonishes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” His instruction not to be conformed is a reminder to avoid molding to the practices, values, and methods of the world but instead to be transformed.

How are we transformed?

By the renewal of our minds. Y’all, this isn’t just an emotional, knee jerk reaction to a tragedy or injustice. Being transformed is a thoughtful and intentional decision to submit ourselves, our thoughts, our words, our actions, everything about us and in us, to the truth of God’s Word.

Being transformed isn't an emotional reaction, it is thoughtful choice to surrender. #StandOut #write31days Share on X

It isn’t easy. It’s a daily dying to self.

And through the rest of the month, we’re going to dig deep into seven traits of a counter cultural life. These aren’t the only traits. But they are the ones God has been working out in my life. So, I’ll share what I’ve learned and what I’m learning. And maybe you will be encouraged and challenged. But most of all, my prayer is that you will dig into the Word for yourself. For it is the key to a transformed life in Him …

For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

I know this post was long, I promise the rest won’t be … thanks for hanging in there with me today. Tomorrow I’m going to share a list of resources for you … some books and articles to help you as you explore for yourself what it means to live a counter cultural life. Sunday, I’ll be sharing a verse and a prayer for you to meditate on and maybe even memorize?

I’m praying for everyone reading. When we make the choice to surrender and live a life that doesn’t conform to this world, the attacks will come from our enemy. So suit up, y’all! Put on the WHOLE armor of God … and stand firm. {Read Ephesians 6:10-18.}

xo,

Teri Lynne