Changing the Culture
Consider this verse: A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust. Proverbs 21:22
This verse is all about changing the culture of a city, taking down the things that people (especially the powerful and influential) are trusting in for their power and security as they ignore God and His Word. These “strongholds” are idols these people trust in that are in opposition to faith in the One True God.
I think that we could apply this to our nation. Our culture needs to be challenged with the truth of the Law of God. There seems to be some thinking that if people are not Christians then God’s law does not apply to them so we should not expect others to obey it.
That is not scriptural thinking but it is thinking I was also subject to until a conversation with my Pastor where I said, “Well, you can’t expect Christian behavior from a non-Christian.” He looked at me and responded, “Why not? God does.”
In Isaiah 24:1-6 Isaiah is warning the people of the land (all the people, not just the Israelites) that God is going to scatter all of the inhabitants. In verse 5 he gives the reason: “The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants, Because they have transgressed the laws, Changed the ordinance, Broken the everlasting covenant.”
Our nation has many idols. We see people put their faith in our state, in a form of government, in a certain political figure or party, our public schools, or education in general. Some have put all their faith in themselves. These are the “I am the captain of my own ship” types. And, some have more faith in their human pastor than they do in God and His Word.
As we are headed into the election it seems that there are people who have put their trust in a candidate or political party. For some it appears that they hate one or the other and so they attack anything “their” opponent says or does. As Christians, our faith ultimately must be in God, regardless of who wins or loses.
Breaking down strongholds (changing the culture) is no simple task and will not be done by one individual. However, if every Christian would stand up for the truth, backing up a brother or sister who is speaking the truth at an abortion mill or calling on a politician to respond to a situation biblically rather than backing away from any argument because we think it is not loving, could break down some of those strongholds.
I am not comfortable with confrontation, yet my blood boils when I read and see some of what is happening in our nation while we quietly discuss them among ourselves but fail to speak up, even in our own little spheres of influence.
God gave Joshua a command as he was taking command over Israel. He said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Interestingly, the previous verse was also an instruction. Look at what God gave Joshua to strengthen him to be able to be strong and courageous. Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua 1:8).
If we want to be strong and courageous in the army of the Lord, we must “observe to do according to all that is written in it (the Law of God).” Applying God’s Word will not just bring us prosperity, the success will be in helping to bring down strongholds. We can be agents to change the culture.