Battling Against the Current of Society

As a believer in Christ, how often do you find yourself battling against the current of mainstream society, against the current of the majority? As we trudge against that current, how do we protect ourselves from the influence and infiltration of the mainstream? How do we guard ourselves from becoming desensitized and just going with the flow? How do we strengthen ourselves when we are faced with the tidal wave of losing our job, social status, friends or family because of our faith?

God’s word provides the answer.

1) We need to surround ourselves with like-minded individuals and teachers.

Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 4 that Christ gave us pastors and teachers to equip us so that we may be built up into a body of believers... into a community of people who are united in faith and knowledge of Christ himself. As a result...

“we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.”

We are stronger when we are surrounded by a community of believers whether that is a church, a bible study group or a Christian volunteer group. Within that environment, we have access to support and encouragement, especially in our times of need.

2) We must guard our hearts and minds with the word of God.

Psalms 1:1-3 tells us,

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.”

By meditating on God’s word, we can keep our eyes fixed on His truth and remain steadfast. Having God’s word in the forefront of our minds also gives us a means of self-defense against being desensitized or influenced by society.

3) Another means of protection is to put on the whole armor of God

We read in Ephesians 6:10-13,

“be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

As this scripture point out, our daily battle against the current and the rising tides is not a battle against the people, but against the spiritual forces of evil behind what is influencing them. We have to remember to love people, but hate the social illness they are unfortunately spreading. With our armor in place, we can be protected from that illness.

4) When we are faced with tidal waves of fear, discouragement or worry about losing a job, about what others may think about us, or how our children may be affected by the mainstream, Apostle Paul tells us to present our requests to God as we read in Philippians 4:4-9,

“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. “

As we present our requests to God, remember that He is our Refuge as we read in Psalms 91:14-15,

“Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”

5) Lastly, we must focus on whatever is excellent and praiseworthy as we read in Philippians 4:8,

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

We need to remain mindful about what we are allowing ourselves to be exposed to in society... on television, in music, on social media, social events, and so forth. What are we allowing to come into our minds? If we fill it with the goodness of God, there is no room left for that which is not of God. And we will become more hyper-aware of those things that are not of God, thus better able to protect and guard ourselves against such influences.

As we continue to battle against the current and the tidal waves, let us remember to surround ourselves with like-minded individuals, meditate on God’s word, put on the armor of God, present our requests to God and focus on whatever is excellent and praiseworthy. As children of God we are already victorious as we read in I John 5:4,

“for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”