“I sat in the first row of my first seminary class and I didn’t understand a thing.”
My Dad was reminiscing over those early days when he had just moved here. As an excellent student in India, he received the opportunity to move to America to start a new life and study the Bible.
The challenge? He didn’t know English fluently.
He landed at DFW Airport and left behind homemade chicken curry, jackfruit trees, his native language, and his family to come as a single man to a brand-new culture.
When I think of Dad sitting in a front row feeling lost or when I think of my Mom navigating a new healthcare system as a nurse in America, it brings me to tears. They sacrificed their comforts and established themselves in American culture. They did that for their future family.
New language.
New food.
New friends.
New traditions.
New church.
New family.
If your parents did the same, you can probably relate. We’re just so grateful!
I’m also grateful for another culture….the one that was established one night in a lonely stable.
When Jesus came to this world in a manger, he was coming to shake the world’s systems.
He came to establish Kingdom Culture. One of his first public statements in Jesus’ ministry was this:, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17
In other words, the Kingdom of Heaven is here now.
He did that for you and me.
He came to change the way the world was used to doing things:
Getting revenge.
Pushing your way to the top no matter the cost.
Holding grudges.
Work hard ‘till you drop.
Grit.
The new culture?
Turn the other cheek.
Forgive.
Serve.
The last shall be first.
Be kind.
Rest.
It’s clear as ever today that to live as a Believer in Jesus means we go against the grain.
It’s not easy.
We risk looking different…maybe even awkward.
Having conversations that challenge the current mindset.
“You mean if I give generously to God, he will bless me with MORE?”
“Yes!”
“You mean if I serve with humility, he will elevate me?”
“Yes!”
How?? It doesn’t makes sense to the world, but to the one who loves Jesus, it does.
Why?
Because Jesus SHOWED us how to live the Kingdom way.
Friends, it’s possible. It’s POSSIBLE.
Try it.
~Give cheerfully to God through a church or ministry…you will watch your bank account grow.
Remember it’s your heart is what matters. Do it because you want to see God’s Kingdom expand.
~Dig deep down in your heart tonight and forgive that one person that God has been putting on your heart lately….you will see your heart grow in love for him or her.
Remember it’s your heart that matters. Do it because you want freedom.
THAT’S why Jesus came. He came to shake things up and to show us there’s a better way to live…the ONLY way to live.
Anything else is mediocre.
As you celebrate Christmas over these new few days, remember that Jesus left the comforts of Heaven to live among us to establish a new culture. Kingdom Culture.
And he did all of that for you.
~Elizabeth/Betsy
