Christians in our modern age are called to live countercultural=
ly. In fact, we must live paradoxically to fully live out the teachings of =
our Savior, Jesus Christ.
=
Consider Christ’s teaching in Matthew 16:24-25, =
“‘If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take =
up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, b=
ut whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.”
You’ll find simi=
lar statements from Christ throughout the Gospels. Indeed, our faith is a p=
aradoxical faith. And only by faith can these difficult statements of Chris=
t make sense.
Ponder the following:
*Our culture is saturated with sex; Christians stri=
ve to live chastely.
*Our culture accepts and even celebrates abortion; Christia=
ns save the lives of preborn babies.
&n=
bsp;
*Our culture proclaims riches, fame, and suc=
cess; Christians embrace generosity, quiet faithfulness, and the cross.
*Our cult=
ure seeks comfort; Christians embrace sacrifice and service.
*Our culture teaches=
individualism; Christians embrace community.
*Our culture seeks self-satisfactio=
n; Christians uphold the family, honoring large families.=
*Our culture fears dea=
th; Christians look forward to life after death.
The decisions on HOW to live are=
never easy. They are never a “one-off”’ but rather decis=
ions to be made and verified time and time again.
For me? The apost=
le Paul answered it already: “For to me to live is Christ, to die is =
gain.” (Phil 1:21)
~~
Dr Bob Griffin
[email protected] www.grif.net
"Jesus Knows=
Me, This I Love!"