The world is changing.
To be honest, it’s hard to keep up with. It seems like every week there’s a new issue, topic, or debate to engage in, and it feels like you have to be an expert on every latest fad, political move, social issue, or moral matter.
It’s exhausting.
Overwhelming.
What does the Bible say we should do in times like these? Should I protest every new idea I disagree with? Should I stay home, do nothing, and not worry about it? Should I troll the internet and flood the comments with Scripture and talking points?
Thankfully, the Bible gives us some pretty clear instructions on how to live.
Every culture (across time and place) will attempt to move the goalposts—trying to redefine what is acceptable, tolerable, and true. No matter what changing culture you’re living in, follow these seven clear instructions from God’s Word.
1. Live Calmly.
[Pay for those in authority]“…so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:2-4Jesus never lost His composure. Even though He lived in a culture (Roman) that despised God, among a people (the Jews) who rejected God, Jesus approached every encounter in a calm, temperate manner. Calm does not mean compliance. Jesus was never intimated by the opposition. He just didn’t let the opposition get under his skin.
When culture changes the rules of the game, don’t lose your cool. God’s Word tells us these things will take place. When we live a quiet life, it pleases God and we make ourselves available to be used by Him to reach others.
2. Do Good.
“…those who have believed God might be careful to devote themselves to good works. These are good and profitable for everyone. Let people learn to devote themselves to good works for pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.” Titus 3:8,14
Devote yourself to good works. Someone will always be there to argue with your theology, but it’s hard to argue with good works. Live a life congruent with the words of your mouth. Paul said this is profitable for everyone.
Don’t live a double-life. Live with integrity and let your life display where your hope and trust is.
3. Hold On.
“Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed…” 2 Timothy 3:14
Stay the course. There are many things the enemy will use to distract, deter, or divert our attention. Hold fast to the essentials of our faith. Put your hope in the Lord, and don’t let the changing cultural norms cause you to stray from the faith.
4. Shine Bright.
“Let your light shine before others, so they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
The time to shine is now. The darker the world gets, the brighter your light becomes. Never be ashamed to let your light shine before others. Remember, Jesus didn’t say to shine your light at others. He said to shine your light before others.
When we let our lights shine, others have the opportunity to see through us and give glory to our Father in heaven.
5. Teach Others.
“What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2
By teaching others, you’re pushing back the darkness. You are equipping the next generation to fight the good fight for the battle for truth. Also, one of the best ways to grow personally is by teaching others. When you teach others, your own faith matures and develops in ways it would not have otherwise.
6. Don’t Quit.
“…Make yourself an example of good works with integrity and dignity in your teaching.” Titus 2:7
There will be days or seasons where you will wonder, “What’s the point,” or “Am I really making a difference?” Don’t give in to the doubt, but instead, stay faithful to living a life of good works. Not so you can earn your salvation, but so you can show your salvation.
Integrity is the life you live when no one is looking. Don’t give up. Fruitfulness happens at the speed of a seed planted in the ground.
7. Stand Firm.
“Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13
When you build your life on the foundation of Jesus Christ, you have firm ground to stand on. Don’t let the ever-changing ways of the world distract you from the unchanging truth of God.