The culture we live in is persistent.
We don’t always realize it, because we’re so inundated with screens and apps and shows that most of us live with an omnipresent buzz of daily news, news feeds, and notifications. Half the time we might not even be able to pinpoint what we’re hearing. But if you watch television, listen to music, or glance at social media for longer than about ten minutes—and if you pay attention—you’ll start to pick up on certain messages being broadcast over and over again.
For example:
- You need to be award-worthy talented in at least one area.
- You need to be famous because clearly fame is awesome.
- You need to be hot.
- You need an obscene amount of money to live the life you want.
- You need the world’s approval.
I’ll cut to the chase and tell you that all of those messages are super annoying to me.
I’ll even go one step further: I think that if Jesus were sitting with you right now, He’d tell you that those messages are super annoying to Him too.
Because if you belong to Christ, you can rest in the peace of knowing that culture is not the boss of you. You only have to look at Scripture to remember that the Lord’s message is much different from much of what you’ll see when you’re scrolling through social media or flipping through channels—and it’s also infinitely more liberating.
For example:
- You are uniquely gifted and empowered by the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:11)
- You are here on this earth to make God famous. (Psalm 105:1)
- You are called to be holy. (1 Peter 1:15)
- You are confident that your real treasure is in heaven. (Matthew 6:19–21)
- You are seeking God’s approval, not man’s. (Galatians 1:10)
Granted, God’s standard is, you know, a smidge higher than what the world dangles in front of us, but what we so often forget is that there is peace when we make Him our first priority. There is rest. There is a quiet confidence that keeps us going when times are hard. There is deep assurance that grounds us when circumstances feel crazy. There is grace that grows in our weakness. And He is the Source and the Giver of every single one of those things.
Yes, it’s tempting to buy into what the culture tells us. It’s tempting to want the looks and the money and the guy and the recognition and the big pat on the back. It’s tempting to think that if we can just check off all those items on our imaginary scorecard, we’ll be good and life will be awesome. But deep down—whether we like to admit it or not—chasing the superficial can never satisfy.
So, in the middle of all the racket, let’s make sure to tune our ear to our heavenly Father. His voice is the only one that can truly promise all we need—joy, hope, and peace. Listen up.
1. Is there any topic you run across on social media (or in the news) that makes you feel like you’re not measuring up in some way?
2. What are some practical ways you can “hear” (not literally, but as you read Scripture and pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit) the Lord’s voice more clearly?
3. Can you identify anything you’re chasing, so to speak, even though you know that thing has no eternal value?
4. Are there any ways you let the culture boss you around?
Today’s Prayer