CounterculturalSample

It’s easy for us to celebrate the wins of the people we love. The ones who care for us, treat us well, and work hard? Their wins and successes in life are easy to cheer for because they’re the ones we think deserve good things to come their way. When they win, we celebrate. Why? Because that win feels fair to us. That’s why, if we’re honest, it’s harder for us to celebrate the good in people’s lives when they’re people we struggle with. The unkind people make a lot of mistakes and don’t lead lives that follow God’s best. Their wins just don’t feel as good to us, do they? That’s because their wins feel unfair. In our culture, good choices, lives, and behaviors should be celebrated, which means the not-so-good choices, lives, and behaviors shouldn’t. But remember, Jesus led a countercultural kind of life.

That means, as Jesus’ parable reminds us here, the Kingdom of God is counter-cultural. In His economy, there is joy for everyone. When even one person turns from their old life and embraces a new life with God, the whole of heaven rejoices! That means everyone! Nobody stops to consider if it’s fair, if they deserve it, or if their choices are good enough. No, they simply celebrate! So, who in your life do you struggle to celebrate? This week, ask God to lead you to find joy in praying for them. Ask Him to change your heart toward them so it lines up more with His great love.