Counterculter or Subculture Part I

In their hearts, the children of Israel had not separated themselves from Egypt; they had not forsaken their desire for it's ways. But when "God" was offered in a package similar to the mannerisms and patterns of Egypt, it was wonderful, they thought, because they could have God and their true desire - Egypt. They could remain conformed to Egypt and have God too!

Numerous patterns and mannerisms of lifestyles are shaped by the spirit of the world. If we choose not to forsake them for the reward of drawing near God's presence, we will constantly gravitate back toward the influences of the spirit that runs the world. But God commands, "Do not act like the people in Egypt, where you USED TO LIVE......you must not imitate their way of life. Leviticus 18:3

We are not to imitate the world's patterns or mannerisms or to act like the people of this world. Paul reinforces this point: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind". (Romans 12:2)

The kingdom of God and the course of this world are running in two opposite directions. There is no harmony between the two, as Jesus indicates, "When the world hates you, remember it hated me before it hated you. The world would love you if you belonged to it, but you don't. I chose you to come out of the world, and so it hates you" (John 15:18-19)

Jesus chose us to come out of the world's pattern of living, and He explains, that's why it hates us. But does it really hate us? It is almost as if the church has spent the past few decades trying to prove Jesus' words to be inaccurate. We have tried our best to fit in. We have consciously believed we could have the world's approval and Jesus' approval too. But Jesus said the world will love us only if we belong to it. So why have we strived to belong where we shouldn't fit in?

The most outstanding characteristic between the early church and the church today was their separated lifestyle. No one could find the mannerisms, methods and ways of the world in them. They were completely different from their surrounding society because they lived under a totally different set of principles and values. The Word of God truly shaped their lives.

The reports of these early believers were that they dwelt in their communities as sojourners and that even though the lived IN the flesh, they did not live AFTER the flesh. They had little interest in respectable pleasures, public sporting events and amusements. They were persecuted, dishonored and hated. And those who hated them were unable to give any reason for their hatred.

Presently, those who hate us don't have to search too hard to give valid reasons for their dislike. This report of the early church could only apply to a small segment of today's church. We have numerous scandals at all levels of ministry. These tragic incidents have occurred because of our self-seeking desires. Not only leaders but many in the church live materialistic lives in the pursuit of pleasure and treasures of this world. We think nothing of lining up for the same movies, entertainment and amusements that the world pursues.

The early Christians believed that this world and the next were enemiesand that you cannot be the friends of both. James bluntly states, "You adulterers! Don't you realize that friendship with this world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again, that if your aim is to enjoy this world, you cannot be friend of God". (James 4:4)

Why does he call believers adulterers who seek to enjoy the world? An adulterer has a covenant with one but seeks a relationship with another. We as believers have covenant with God, so why should we desire to pursue the patterns, mannerisms, and ways of the world? Could it be that we are no different from Israel of old, who would not give up the desires of Egypt for the privilege of coming to God?

(to be continued)