Perhaps you have been asking yourself the same question I have been asking. The question is this: “How can I remain resilient while living in a culture that changes as much as this one?”
Looking back over the last two years we are struck with the fact that our world, and our culture, has changed more in this short period of time than most of us thought possible. From our current Covid issues to last years election, not to mention deep racial unrest, we are living through a shift that is both overwhelming and dizzying. And, in this midst of all this chaos we can, if not careful, get knocked down with little hope of recovery. If we are going to make it we need to learn how to live resilient.
A resilient person is one who can quickly get back up when knocked down while recalibrating on “true north” so that they can keep moving forward. To be resilient does not mean that you avoid difficulty. Resilience is focused forward movement despite difficulty!
How do we become resilient in the face of an often out of control culture?
1. Begin at the beginning-Understand your creation, creator and created purpose
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Our culture will do everything possible to tell us who we are, where we came from and what we should be doing. This is the job of media, and this is what comes with the often-overwhelming pressure from those who do not have a relationship with God. What we must fundamentally understand and hold on to though is that we do have a Creator, He is our designer, He created us with purpose. We can resist the voices that want to tell us who we are when we are firmly grounded in who God says we are.
2. Commit to What God is committed to-Know the Bible and do what it says
Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
2Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
This seems so simple and yet so many who say they believe the Bible are confused about what the Bible is clear on. Don’t commit to know and do what culture dictates. Be committed to knowing and following the Bible. If culture happens to align that’s a bonus! Follow God and stop worrying about everything else.
3. Take responsibility for your family
Their spiritual growth
Their education
Their preparation for the future
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
1Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
If you are a parent, and particularly if you are a father, then you are responsible for the education and direction of your family. You do not need to know everything or teach ever lesson, but you do need to take responsibility for ensure that they are learning what they need to learn in order to live according to God and His Word. That is your job. Culture will do it wrong so don’t be surprised when it does. Caring for your family is not cultures job.
4. Get into a church community that prioritizes the Bible
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Find a church that prioritizes Scripture and get involved. If the only voices you hear are those that have no connection to Truth, then you will begin to think that you are missing something. Surround yourself by others who value Truth as much as you do. It will be challenging, encouraging and provide safety from being deceived.
5. Maintain a personal devotional life
Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
If your relationship with God is not authentic and personal, then you will not continue following Him when times become difficult. Deepen you walk with God and you will continue to walk for Him.
6. Question everything
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Never accept that what you are being told is true. Run it through the filter of scripture with the direction of the Holy Spirit before deciding what you believe and what you are going to do.
7. Remember who you live to please
1Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Do everything for God and His glory.
8. Trust in God’s providence
Romans 11:36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Faith is having confidence in God and His plan even when the path in front of us is unclear. Regardless of how you feel, continue to trust that God has a plan and that His plan will come to pass. He is God. He knows what He is doing. We can trust Him.
While it is best to implement these 8 things into your life BEFORE you get knocked down, thy are also a great prescription for getting back up when you feel like you have lost your way. Thy can serve as a focal point when you have lost your way that allows you to get back on right path heading in the right direction. There is no question that our culture is changing at a pace none of us could have imagined. And it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. But even though it is changing, culture does not need to overwhelm and defeat us-we simply need to focus on becoming Culturally Resilient. We will get knocked down. The important thing is that we get back up quickly, focus on “true north” and start moving forward!
Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash