culture

Upside-Down World

Dr. Mike 2025 , , , , , , ,

And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, Acts 17:6

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You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay,
that the thing made should say of its maker, “He did not make me”;
or the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”?   Isaiah 29:16

We live in an upside-down world and consider this normal. We accept the status quo. This is the way it is. Yet deep down inside each person is longing for something better. There is more than the media, education, and government influencers broadcast before us. But the culture has us trapped within its power. We play along. At the end of the day, we are tired, bored, and unfulfilled. But we arise the next day and parade through the same game. We are trapped within society’s minefield. We want out, but where does one go? Who does one believe? Which road produces a life worth living?

God created a world of beauty and order. Everything has a place and purpose. As science uncovers the intrinsic workings of the universe, a Master Designer emerges. Yet humanity is not happy with how things operate. Instead of aligning themselves with the Master Creator, they search for something else. In such a vacuum, today’s ungodly influencers take the place of our Creator. They establish culture’s norms.

For example, they say you are racist. Their solution: be more racist.

They say you are not to judge. Their solution: allow criminal actions go unpunished.

They say everything is stacked against you. Their solution: let the government take care of you.

They say the world is coming to an end due in a global crisis. You can fill in the latest fear mongering, one-sided projected forecast. In my lifetime it has included nuclear fallout, over-population, and climate change. Their solution: give them more money and attention. Then surrender your lives over to them to help solve the problem/cause.

They say women rights are more important than life. Their solution: abort the unborn human so their rights are protected.

They say there are more than two genders. Their solution: pass laws to force their beliefs upon you.

They say marriage and family is old school. Their solution: do whatever feels personally pleasurable without concern for the children.

The list is endless.

When God is removed from the equation, the world evolves toward the darkness of life. What is evil becomes good. What is harmful becomes acceptable. What is beautiful risks destruction.

Standards of righteousness is then established by those with money or power. Justice becomes blind. Culture accepts only those who adhere to their corrupted values.

When Jason (Acts 17:6) was accused by the city gang for turning the world upside down is an example of man’s view of the situation. But Jesus reminds us throughout Scripture that HIS kingdom ways are the norm. When we practice his ways and prioritize his values the Kingdom flourishes. But, when we disregard HIS ways, we experience life outside of HIS favor. Our world ends up surrounded by the darkness of sin.

When you capture the vision of Christ’s Kingdom, you can only pray for HIM to return sooner than later. But until then, HE allows us to live under HIS Kingdom today. We can experience a small taste of heavenly bliss in this life now. As we live out the good news of HIS Kingdom, others may notice and want to also share life with HIM. HIS world, HIS way, HIS teachings are the norm. The sooner we allow HIM to live HIS life through us, the easier we will see how upside-down today’s culture really is.

The good news is you don’t have to play their game. You can order your life around Jesus and HIS Kingdom. When you do, you will internally experience the richness of life the way God does. You may not have all the surrounding material trappings of this upside-down world. But you will have the eternal treasures of living under HIS domain with HIS grace and favor.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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No Jesus

Dr. Mike 2023 , ,

Mark 8:38

“For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

As a young college person watching some of my favorite riveting heroes on screen, I would leave the theater somewhat perplexed. I recall completing a humanity’s course where we analyzed various movies from the director’s perspective. We learned what we saw and didn’t see was purposely conducted to produce a certain affect. Rarely nothing was shown or not shown on purpose. Everything was constructed to leave the audience with an unspoken message.

Many times I watched and enjoyed these action packed movies. Where the teenage superhero saves humanity from another world apocalypse. But I would then leave asking myself how come God is never favorable mentioned. Instead, HE is nowhere to be found. In HIS place, the super villain is given some extraordinary power of a god. And then, us less endowed humans must rise up to destroy him. God is usually entirely left out of the picture.

Movies showcase culture.

If I was God’s enemy, the plan would be never to mention HIS name. I would eliminate any symbol, knowledge, and reference to HIS existence. I would also instruct my subjects to behave in a similar manner. We see this practice lived out within communistic nations. In China and North Korea, the political party considers Christianity the enemy of the state. They do everything within their power to destroy its existence.

Where Jesus is removed from cultural significance, freedom dies.

As you watch many of the classical old movies from the early twenty century, you will see favorable references about God. Scripture and prayer was acceptable acts presented on screen. Today, if shown, they are lambasted.    

Look around you. How does the culture portray Jesus? Can you find HIM in the movies? Music? Books? Is HE discussed in the classroom? Newsroom? Marketplace?

Is HE shown respect due HIM? Or simply ignored?

The founding fathers of America acknowledged HIM. They designed a governmental structure based of their understanding of human nature and its potential. They were Biblically literate. They understood and practiced the moral code defined from its roots. Perfect they were not. But they strived to live out HIS teachings.

Today, we live in a society where many have forgotten the importance of knowing Jesus. The consequences of their lives demonstrate the outcome. They seek purpose and meaning from temporary passions. They don’t understand the difference between divine and carnal desires. They have thrown away Life’s Answer in pursuit of intellectual ignorance. Love and Truth are now subjective personal constructions rather than objective eternal  values. When Jesus is removed from society, the majority of people suffer. Only those who are in power benefit. Everyone else becomes their enemy. Instead of serving the masses, they exercise power over them.

Jesus knows and sees what is happening. HE birthed the Church. The Church continues to teach about HIM and HIS message. HIS ways are anti-cultural. But HE is the link who integrates everyone together.  Without HIM, turmoil. With HIM, peace and grace abound. Those who already walk with HIM know the difference. Their challenge is making HIM known to everyone else. This is the saints adventurous journey in Christ!        

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Culture is Not Your Friend

Dr. Mike 2023 , ,

James 4:4

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Culture is a collection of norms, values, and ideas. Their byproduct are the attitudes, behavior, and beliefs of human thought. Every social group consisting of two or more people produces a cultural impact. Families, organizations, and communities all share in the development of the culture you live in.

Typically, cultures are largely shaped by those with the most influential platforms. In the middle-ages churches and Kings carried the most weight. Today, governments and media play the largest role in influencing the culture around you. Governments influence society through their policies. Business, news outlets, and social platforms distribute images and words to capture your attention.

Their purpose is to persuade you. To make you think the way they want you too. Their intent is to increase monetary gain, political power, or influence over you to assist them in their bidding. They are most often not interested in helping you to succeed in life.

Culture is not you friend. But the noise machine to distract you from living your God-given potential. The sooner you realize this, the better off you will be.

Your best Friend is Jesus. Whether you have accepted and reciprocated His Friendship, or not. He has already demonstrated He cares for you by His life, death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven. His macro-purpose for you is to prepare you for eternity. In the process, He will let you taste eternal food now and share a way of life which deep inside you want.

The culture around you sells you the facade. The image. Jesus gives you the substance behind the image. The real thing.

When His Spirit enters you, you experience life the way He intended humanity to live from day one. But us humans are more influenced by the shining fruit on the outside rather than the inner character that leads to the abundant life. That is what culture sells you. The shining image without the character substance. God provides you with the character to lead a with-God life.

He gives you a life of romance and adventure that us humans seek. The walk is with Him. Culture distracts you from Him. Culture allows you to destroy yourself by pursuing their gods. Culture is interested only what you have to give it. Jesus wants to share His life with you and you share your life with Him. He wants to dance with you around the earth. He wants you to learn His ways. He wants you to live within the culture of His Kingdom. When He is the central core of your life, the world’s culture is one loud noise machine.

His culture gives you peace and grace. You experience real love and joy. He isn’t looking to rob you of anything. But cloth you with the abundant life He knows what is best for you.

So turn off the culture monitor. Then take time to look and listen at the #1 Influencer of ALL time – Jesus Christ. Grow in His knowledge and grace. He will become your best Friend on planet earth. Your only wish thereafter is why didn’t you get started earlier.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Books By Dr. Mike:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved