“COUNTERCULTURALLY!”

John 13:34-35                                (ESV)

“34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: JUST AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, YOU ALSO ARE TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

35 By this all people will know that you are MY disciples, if you have love for one another." 

This past Sunday morning our Bible Study lesson has the 10 commandments (Exodus 19 & 20) incorporated into it.   One of the sentences from the lesson was “Obeying the Ten Commandments out of LOVE would be a way for the children of Israel to live “COUNTERCULTURALLY” in their day (Ex 19:5-6): similarly, we are to be known as followers of CHRIST by our love for others (John 13:34-35).”  

JESUS instructed us to do what DOESN’T make sense...to this world!  So just because JESUS says that we should love one another, does that mean we should approve of the sinful lifestyles that our friends and loved ones exhibit?  If their lifestyle violates the WORD OF GOD, then we LOVINGLY are required to inform them of their errors.  They may not SEE where they have been in the wrong?  They may change to avoid Judgement.  However, if they CHOOSE to ignore the warning given, they might not think the punishment will be that great?  All you can do is PRAY that GOD opens their EYES to be able to SEE the TRUTH and change their hearts!  

Remember, we are also COMMANDED in Matthew 7:5 to “...first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.”  We cannot correct in a condemning attitude, regardless of how “pure” we think we are living.  Living “COUNTERCULTURALLY” means a lot more than going against the flow!  Realizing that we are, as the Apostle Paul says “the chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15) is a great place to begin!  Now that is “COUNTERCULTURALLY”!!!