Proverbs 29:2, “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
The definition of a cultural revolution is, “the inward turning of a society to the commands of God resulting in the forsaking of sin for the righteousness of God.” Examples of cultural revolutions birthed by the Holy Spirit can be seen in Jonah 3:7-10, Acts 8:4-8 and Acts 19:11-20.
Whenever Christians live like Christ, cultures are turned around for the glory of God.
This cultural shift may move slowly like it does currently in China with the underground house church movement or fast like it has in the African nations of Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda. Whether the change is fast or slow, it is impossible for a culture to stay the same when Christians live like disciples of Christ.
Within 300 years of Jesus’ ascension and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the Roman Empire became a Christian nation. Jesus brought Rome to its knees without one battle. Also consider that during the founding of the United States of America, currently the most powerful and wealthiest nation in the world, the Bible was the main source for governmental structure, economic policies and human rights; along with Christianity being the foundation for universities like Harvard, Princeton and Yale.
America’s founding President George Washington in his first Thanksgiving Proclamation in 1789 boldly declared over the newly founded nation, “That we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually- to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed- to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord- To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue and the increase of science among them and us- and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.”
Sadly, the reason why the U.S. is plagued with violence and corruption today is because we have left the foundation of God’s Word for the sandy ways of men. However, when the lights go out in your house you don’t curse the darkness and expect change. Rather you change the light bulb and let light chase away the darkness. In the same way, we cannot curse the wickedness of our culture and expect change; we must change our values and shine like the lights Jesus made us to be.
Here are three ways to stand for a cultural revolution; (1) Live your life for God in such a way that people around you will want the kind of life you possess. (2) Practice the values of your faith in everything you do- on the job, when you vote, with your neighbors, etc. (3) Pray for God’s Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven! (Matthew 6:10)
Reflection
Do you believe God can transform your culture?
Action
- Explain from the Bible why you should stand for a cultural revolution.
- Pray that God will use you to bring a cultural revolution.
- Resources: “Revolution in the Church,” by Dr. Michael Brown & “Turn the World Upside Down,” by Dr. Michael Maiden.
One Year Reading Plan
Malachi 1:1-2:17, Revelation 21:1-27, Psalm 149:1-9, & Proverbs 31:10-24. Click here to read online.
