How Can We Influence Culture For Good?
There’s a ongoing debate among Christians on how we are to influence the culture for good. Are we to march in protest, speak out against all of the evils, petition congress, use our social media to combat the evil around us, preach politics from the pulpit, or what? I believe all of these things can be used for good but I don’t believe these are the way to have the greatest influence.
The Church is called to be salt and light in a wicked generation. It was wicked when Jesus and the Apostle Paul walked this earth. Nothing much has changed. Satan is the prince of the power of the air so until he is thrown into the pit of destruction, he will be active in deceiving people towards evil.
We know that God hates a lukewarm Church; one that has lost its saltiness (Revelation 3:16). We are called to be salt and light, a light on a hill! How are we salt and light? I believe it’s by obeying what God has commanded that we do and be. We can’t look and act like culture while participating in its deeds and expect to be an influence for good. We are called to be set apart and holy. We are on the narrow path that leads to life, not on the broad path that leads to destruction that most are on. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:17).
I don’t believe in being social justice warriors. I don’t see anywhere in the Word of God that God commands that we do this. Yes, we speak the truth in love but our main purpose in life is to glorify the Lord by the way we live and love. Mothers at home who are raising their children to love the Lord and His ways are glorifying God and doing more to influence culture than most. Older women who are helping and loving the young women around them are glorifying God. People’s hearts are softened to the truth much more easily if they are seeing Christians walking the talk and living a life of love and service to others.
When women aren’t raising their own children but allowing daycare centers and public schools to raise their children, the chances of raising godly offspring are slim (statistics prove this to be true). We are losing these children to the world because mothers don’t want to take the command to be “keepers at home” seriously. What can be more important than raising your children in the ways of the Lord?
If wives are living in rebellion to their husbands and the culture around them sees this, they will think that “Christian” marriages are no better than theirs. As Christians divorce in high numbers, people aren’t attracted to Christianity. But when wives are living in loving submission to their husbands and committed to them until death do part, they are being a huge influence for good to those around them. “Wow, there’s something different about those Christians!”
How did Sodom and Gomorrah become so evil that if Abraham could have found only ten righteous people, God would not have destroyed these cities yet ten people couldn’t be found? I believe it was because people kept compromising what they knew to be true and gave into their flesh and to culture. There was no one influencing anyone for good anymore. These cities had no salt, no light, and were dark. It’s the same way America is going.
We must be salt and light to a decaying culture. We do this by loving those around us, sharing the Truth of God’s Word when given a chance, praying for our neighbors, and by living godly, set apart lives. No, there’s nothing wrong with signing petitions, marching for life, calling congress, and doing all of these things but living to glorify the Lord in everything by obeying Him is what God calls us to do.
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16
24 thoughts on “How Can We Influence Culture For Good?”
I agree 100% that we can’t be lukewarm for the Lord. But I do believe there is scripture that we are also to be “social justice” warriors (God didn’t use those words because they are a modern construct, but he constantly exhorts us to go beyond ourselves to help the poor, needy, and marginalized of the world. We are not to just sit home in the comfort of our own homes. He is very clear about that:
James 2:14-18 — What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
1 John 3:17-18 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
Matthew 25:37-40 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Proverbs 21:13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.
James 2:16 And one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?
Deuteronomy 15:11 For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’
Proverbs 29:7 A righteous man knows the rights of the poor; a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
Proverbs 25:21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
Yes. Many in the world are enamored with being social justice warriors because in their minds it is the best way to influence change. As Christians we have the most powerful way which is God. But as followers of Christ we also know that this world is not our home. We know that the path to destruction is broad and many walk therein. Yes, it would be wonderful to live in a Christian utopia but that will only be in eternity.
I don’t really know how much marches, demonstrations and calling congress really changes people’s minds. I do know that his Word never returns void so if we live according to it, that will change more people’s hearts than any protest/demonstration/boycott/congressional phone calls/etc. ever can.
I agree wholeheartedly with you, M. It’s people’s hearts that need to be changed and softened to the ways of the Lord as they see Christians living as we are called to live.
Being a social justice warrior is much different than helping the poor and needy. Yes, we are absolutely to help the poor and needy among us but social justice warriors fight for a lot more than poverty and it’s us, as individuals, who are to help the poor, NOT demand that others do so. We, alone, will be known for our fruit!
My husband and I have talked about this a lot, especially when we see something disturbing in our culture, which is often these days!!
I really feel that it’s the day-to-day living and letting people see it that makes an influence, particularly in the minds of youth. I so often remember observing people and thinking that I wanted to do that, act like that, etc. Even something simple like my husband opening a car door for me. Seeing that as a child made me want that in a husband because it seemed so respectful. My husband grew up watching his father make sure that his mom’s car was always gassed up and everything was working. Now, he does the same for me. I haven’t put gas in my car in more than 25 yrs.!!
(no lectures, please. I could easily learn again. It’s not brain surgery!!). I think I might mentioned it before but a young boy commented to my husband that he sees my husband walking our dog every morning. The boy said he wanted to do that when he grows up because it’s good exercise and makes the dog happy.
I told my husband that even though we don’t have kids, don’t doubt for a second that they’re not watching you. And even a stranger could make an impression in their lives. Strangers certainly made an impression on me!
We need to not be afraid to be traditional feminine women who stand up for the traditional family!
Lori, what are your thoughts on IVF?
As a Catholic I’m very against it, but I also believe extinction is a far worse fate.
Sometimes I feel like being Shrewdly Evil or Pragmatic for a Purpose is better than following the word exactly as it is written.
I love how God keeps putting me in these situations to test my morals.
I am one of these people who thinks everything is black and white, yet keep getting thrown into grey areas!
It’s so frustrating! Can I please get a break from grey areas?
Any ideas on how I escape this curse?
P.S.- We are still on IUI’s and far away from that road…so there is still hope the question won’t need to be answered!
I listen to a conservative podcast nearly every day while the kids are napping. I really enjoy it since I’m passionate about politics but can be a drain, as far as my outlook on life. Just thinking about the evil things people were/are doing is a sad thing and I wondered what I could do to help fix it. The abortion bill in NY, nearly all Democrats voting against the bill that would protect children that were born alive before they could be aborted. . . It’s madness and it’s messy.
But I realized the best thing I can do for this world as far as changing it for the better is to raise godly children.
Excellent post, Lori. “Salt and light”. I say that phrase to myself many times a day to remind myself to be just that. How hard that can be at times, but I know that the Lord is in control and He is truly my salt and light!
Thank you so much, Lori, for being salt and light in such a depraved and sin-darkened world.
Why do you think so many kids turn away from god at the hands of Christian schools. It’s something that really conflicting me as I don’t want my children losing faith but their education is very important to my husband, and he insists they go to school. I would hate to disagree with him. Is there any way I can keep my children to faithful despite their schooling?
Please Help,
Suzan Chlover
Make sure you are reading the word of God to them faithfully and helping them to memorize Scripture. Show them the joy of the Lord by the way you live. I believe so many are turning away from all schools is because “bad company corrupts good morals.” Most children, even those being raised in “Christian” homes, the parents aren’t careful with what they feed their children’s souls with. They watch and listen to the garbage of the world. Then these children spend all day with children who actually are being raised in godly homes and corrupt their morals. We’re warned of this for a reason! God commands parent to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord not other.
You’re welcome, Towal. If God be for us, who can stand against us!
Absolutely, Isadora. We must continually renew our minds with the truth of God’s Word and dwell on the lovely and the pure. We live in a wicked society so continue to pray for our leaders and that good will overcome evil, then leave it in the Lord’s hands. Don’t allow it to steal your joy! God is a just God and He will take care of it.
Hi Christine, I know that infertility is a very difficult journey to be on. My mom was infertile for 7 1/2 years before having me and I know many others who have struggled with it. However, I am of the mind that God is the One who opens and closes wombs. I have a hard time with all of the drugs they must pump the women with to retrieve the eggs and then freezing the embryos is a huge problem. I know amazing women who have had children through IVF and I don’t judge them but I know that I wouldn’t do it (but I will never know for sure since I have never been put in that situation and I wanted children badly). It must be done with a lot of prayer and research and if done, all the embryos must be used.
Katy,
According to Wikipedia (not the bastion of conservationism) – Social Justice Warrior (SJW) is a pejorative term for an individual who promotes socially progressive views, including feminism, civil rights, and multiculturalism, as well as identity politics. The accusation that somebody is an SJW carries implications that they are pursuing personal validation rather than any deep-seated conviction, and engaging in disingenuous arguments.
Social Justice Warrior is not a term that any Christian should want to have anything to do with.
If being a “Social Justice Warrior” means personally putting one’s money, energy and time to help those in need, I am all for it. If it means yelling and screaming that government and programs are the answer to cure societies woes, I strongly protest. Not because government some day under the resign of Christ Jesus will not be able to do the job, but because government under men is incapable, inept and corrupt, and the call to social justice just leads to the evils of socialism.
The best way to help others is for the church and individuals to do it. It is amazing to me how many want govt to do what they personally are unwilling to do or to pay for. Let’s put our own money where our mouth is and give at least 10% to worthy charities along with helping our neighbors in need.
Thank you Lori I will continue to show my children my faith and joy of the lord. Amen!
Amen!
Completely agree, Ken.
That government governs best which governs least.
It is the job of ANYBODY and EVERYBODY but the government to help the poor and the sick.
Also, we have the First Amendment followed by the Second Amendment for a reason.
The First Amendment was so we can speak the truth anywhere in America, and the Second Amendment is for the times when oppressive tyrants, which the Democrat party is full of, attempt to silence dissent, and establish totalitarianism and tyranny.
Going to City Council Meetings and School Board Meetings and continually attacking the big government, high taxes, high regulations, along with the social ills the government promotes, like psychotropic drugs, pornography, fatherlessness, welfare will soon enough awaken the light of understanding. It won’t be easy, but it is important to remember, ( and this is a man’s job as it was in the Revolutionary War), ‘I have always been convinced that unpopularity earned by doing what is right, is not unpopularity at all, but rather Glory’ Cicero.
“Human nature itself is evermore an advocate for liberty. There is also in human nature a resentment of injury, and indignation against wrong. A love of truth and a veneration of virtue. These amiable passions, are the “latent spark”… If the people are capable of understanding, seeing and feeling the differences between true and false, right and wrong, virtue and vice, to what better principle can the friends of mankind apply than to the sense of this difference?”
John Adams
Rebellion against tyranny is obedience to God.
Thomas Jefferson
“No people can be great who have ceased to be virtuous.”
Samuel Johnson
“[A] free government . . . cannot be supported without Virtue.”
Samuel Williams
If we do not speak out strongly, publicly, and forcefully against vice and promoting virtue, our liberty and freedom will soon be gone.
https://barbwire.com/another-kind-of-religious-leader-must-arise-video/
Have you heard of snowflake adoption? Still not acceptable by Catholic standards but you may be interested. You “adopt” another couple’s frozen, fertilized embryo (baby) that would otherwise be killed.
Yes I agree that it should be us Christians influencing our culture by the lives we live. My brother, who was an atheist eventually got saved just because he saw the marriages within the Church that we began going to and wondered why they were different and it gave him hope and made him curious about the God they serve. That was years ago but that is how it should be, that we are living differently to the world so that they would want what we have or at least see the distinction. Nothing speaks louder than our actual lives.
Natural IVF (original IVF…how the first child was conceived) only uses 1 egg that pops out every month and only one injection
It’s actually cheaper too….but the success rates are lower so of course Clinics aren’t going to do that because of Profit motive.
I’m more worried about the effects of harming the egg by taking it out of the womb.
I don’t want my child to face obesity or a lower IQ because they were grown in a petri dish for a few days in a stew of man-made chemicals.
I don’t want to inflict harm upon my child at the moment of conception! That is terrible!!
Yeah it’s pretty stressful.
I think I’m answering my own questions.
I don’t even look at frozen embryos as children.
You can’t freeze an embryo and tell me there is no significant DNA Damage.
I would never even allow a frozen embryo to be placed into my body…Embryos are not Frozen Food. You can’t put an embryo into a Freezer??!
The entire thing is just wrong to me.
Ok…I need prayers for IUI.
Lori, if you could put me on the list for Prayers on your facebook page because our next IUI is next week .
As a Catholic I am strongly opposed to IVF.
Firstly it is fundamentally God who should open and close the womb, secondly the drugs etc are very harmful, thirdly the means of collecting sperm are inherently sinful. Finally most of the new lives created are murdered as part of the process.