MAKE SURE THAT NOBODY PAYS BACK WRONG FOR WRONG, BUT ALWAYS TRY TO BE KIND TO EACH OTHER AND TO EVERYONE ELSE. BE JOYFUL ALWAYS; PRAY CONTINUALLY; GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR THIS IS GOD’S WILL FOR YOU IN CHRIST JESUS. DO NOT PUT OUT THE SPIRIT’S FIRE; DO NOT TREAT PROPHECIES WITH CONTEMPT. TEST EVERYTHING. HOLD ONTO THE GOOD. AVOID EVERY KIND OF EVIL (1 THESSALONIANS 5:15-22).
TODAY’S DEVOTION
Culture reveals itself also in the attitude of the people. There are certain countries you can visit where the people are very warm and friendly, who are appreciative of visitors and go out of their way to make them feel welcome. I love visiting places like that. At the other end of the spectrum are those countries where the people in general are rude, or arrogant, or superior in their demeanor, where even people in the “service” industries such as hotels and restaurants act as though they are insulted by your presence and that they are doing you a favor by serving you.
No one should ever feel unwelcome when they enter a place where Kingdom culture is present. On the contrary, they should feel as though they have entered Heaven itself. This is why the Bible says, “Let love prevail among you.” That is the culture of Heaven. “Let forgiveness prevail among you.” That is the culture of Heaven. “Let joy unspeakable prevail among you.” That is the culture of Heaven. “Let the peace that passes understanding prevail among you.” That is the culture of Heaven.
(God’s Big Idea, Chapter Seven)
CONSIDERATIONS
As mentioned yesterday, culture reveals itself in at least 16 specific ways. Write a short definition for the following eight, applying them to your personal experiences:
Social norms:
Attitudes:
Dress:
Food:
Responses:
Drink:
Whatever is permitted:
Whatever is accepted:
MEDITATION
Community means, essentially, that individuality is gone and everybody lives and works for the good of everybody else. Western society, with its emphasis on independence and individualism, has largely lost touch with the concept of community, and this has affected many churches and believers. The time has come for Kingdom citizens to rediscover and reclaim community as an essential part of Kingdom life that is critical to the successful reproduction of Kingdom gardens throughout the Earth. After all, a Kingdom community is a Kingdom garden.
(God’s Big Idea, Chapter Seven)
How has defining these eight characteristics of culture expanded your view of Kingdom culture?