HomeGrownSample

Culture:
No matter what you are building, culture is important. The good news is that Jesus transcends culture. He is not modern and He is not old-fashioned. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. When we develop a Christlike culture, our church, organization, group, community, or any other endeavor has the potential to reach everyone—no one is out of reach.

Let's take a look at what some characteristics of a "Christlike" culture are according to God's Word:

Acceptance—“Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13, NASB 1995).

Sacrifice—“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13, NASB 1995).

Change— “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NASB 1995).

Challenge—“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also” (Matthew 5:38-39, NASB 1995).

Opportunity—“And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men’” (Matthew 4:19, NASB 1995).

Joy—“These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full” (John 15:11, NASB 1995).

Fruitfulness—“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. . . . My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:5, 8, NASB 1995).

When your endeavor possesses a Christlike culture, it is irresistible. What is your culture? Is it a Christlike culture? If not, what practical steps can you take to ensure it is moving forward?