Countercultural

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalms 1:1-2 (NKJV)

A person who is countercultural is a person who chooses a lifestyle and values that run in opposition to those of the established culture. If you ever wanted to be a rebel with a holy cause, you are living in the perfect culture and at the right time in history. If you believe that the Word of God is true, you are going to find yourself at odds with the established culture. If you believe in the values as detailed in the Law of Moses and reaffirmed in the New Testament you are going to be a countercultural warrior.

This does put you in a special class of people, because the prophets of the Old Testament, John the Baptist, Jesus and the early Apostles were all countercultural warriors. Why do we risk persecution by not embracing the cultural norms of the day? The answer for a Believer is simple, we know the truth. God's Word is true--Jesus is the way, the truth and the life--We know the truth and it has set us free... We are not interested in the counsel or wisdom of the ungodly, because we know the difference between right and wrong, or true and false.

The risk of persecution is real--and will be a growing threat against those who live and speak the truth. That said, the blessings of God far outweigh the risk--and that is an understatement. Countercultural warriors will be blessed in this life and the life to come. Their children will also be armed with the truth and have the opportunity to avoid all the destructive and foolish behavior of American Pop Culture. My advice: Know what you believe. Live what you believe. Stay true to what you believe.

Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, I once again declare that I believe in You and I believe in Your Word. I agree with the Psalmist who stated that Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I pray that You would fill my heart with courage. Courage to live right--courage to stand for the things that I believe in--courage to speak the truth in love--courage to face the growing pressure to conform. May I be a countercultural warrior of love, grace, light and truth." Amen