October 23, 2023 - John 18:36

“Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom...my Kingdom is not of this world.” John 18:36 NLT

Lord, when I look at our culture today it seems to get further and further away from you. It gets harder and harder for we as Christians to blend into society. People who are truly living for you stand out as different. Our culture says it is all about feeling good and doing whatever is good for you. There is a high value put on the individual. Lord, you value us as individuals, but your kingdom culture says that we, as individuals, should put others’ needs before our own. We must put you and your wants above ourselves and our happiness. Our culture says that anything goes as long as it is not exclusive or offensive to others’ views. Jesus, you say that you are the only way. There is no other way, regardless of how good it sounds. Our culture says that there is no right or wrong, just go with what feels right to you. But God, you are a God of right and wrong and justice. You will fairly judge right and wrong whether we believe it or not.

Show us any cultural norms that we have bought into that don’t line up with your Kingdom’s culture. Once we recognize it, give us a desire to see that behavior changed to reflect you. Give us a hatred for allowing things in our lives that don’t bring you glory. Please forgive us and help us to uproot them from our lives. Give us the strength and courage to stand up for your kingdom cultures, even when that makes us stand out as different. Increase our passion for you and give us the boldness that makes us willing to endure opposition to be an example of your kingdom culture into our world.

In Jesus name, amen.