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             As Jesus walked the streets of Jerusalem, and he would have heard the voice of a people that lived according to their culture and not by the Law of Moses which would have included the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). What Jesus would have seen and heard would have resembled the sounds coming from neighboring nations. For that reason, Jesus said, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kills the prophets, and stones them which are sent unto you, how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not” (Matthew 23:37). The Jews were known for rejecting the message of God as given by the prophets such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and many others. They were known for imitating the nations around them and following the worldly culture. When Jesus said unto his disciples, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18), he was saying by that word church that his disciples would be people called out of the world, people what would live beyond the culture. Paul wrote, “And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2). In other words, Christians are not to be conformed or molded by the culture but having the mind of Christ rising above and going beyond the mentality of the culture.
            Every culture has some positive points and at the same time things that are blatantly against the will of God. Some cultures are family oriented and respect God’s plan for marriage and family (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-5, Ephesians 6:1-4). Marriage between a man and women is held in honor and the children are taught to respect their parents not only when in the home and under the rule of the parents, but also as the parents age and need assistance (1 Timothy 5:4). There are cultures that believe that one should work (2 Thessalonians 3:10) and be active in providing food for the table, clothing for the body, and a roof over the head. These are positive things that can be found in many cultures.
            However, every culture has things ingrained in it that if one is a Christian they must overcome and go beyond what the culture practices. Some cultures are known for dishonesty and lying such as the Cretians. Paul wrote citing one of the Cretian poets, “The Cretians are always liars, evil beasts, and lazy gluttons” (Titus 1:12). That was not a very positive commentary on the culture of the people on that island, but it was something that could change when the gospel was received and obeyed by them. There were families that had believed and obeyed the gospel of Christ on the island of Crete because of the work of Paul and Titus. “For this reason, I left you in Crete, that you should se in order the things that are lacking…” (Titus 1:5). Some cultures are known for idolatry such as when Paul went into the city of Athens. “Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols” (Acts 17:16). There are cultures around the world today where idolatry is a deep part of their culture, and the creation is worshiped rather than the Creator. Our culture is becoming more and more things oriented. The prevalence of wealth in our culture has brought about a worship of material goods and the willingness to live for things and or pleasure rather than for God.
            There is no perfect culture because all cultures have worldliness in them, but one that obeys the gospel of Jesus Christ can rise above the norm of the culture and can live in a manner that is pleasing to God in spite of the culture. Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things (material needs) will be added to you” (Matthew 16:33). Let’s not let the godless aspect of culture dictate us as Christians but let us go beyond the culture to live pleasing unto God.