Resource: You Will See That Crossing Cultures Is Nothing New

Resourceyou Will See That Crossing Cultures Is Nothing New Character

Read the following passages in your Bible: Matthew 5:21–22, 27–28, 31–32, 33–37, 38–42, and 43–48; Matthew 6:20–21 and 31–33; 2 Corinthians 6:14–18. After reading, reflect on how the values of believers are internalized as compared to external societal norms, and how believers are distinguished from others. Consider how Paul's message emphasizes the unique identity of Christians vis-à-vis societal influences and the expectations placed upon them by other cultures.

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Crossing cultures has been an enduring aspect of human history, and biblical narratives exemplify the ongoing tension between internalized faith values and external societal norms. The Scriptures reveal how believers are called to internalize divine principles that often conflict with external societal expectations, emphasizing moral integrity grounded in internal conviction rather than societal approval. This internalization is particularly evident in the teachings of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel, where the internal moral standards surpass external legalistic observances.

In Matthew 5:21–22, Jesus underscores that anger and insult can be as culpable as murder, emphasizing the importance of internal states of the heart over external conformity to laws. Similarly, in Matthew 5:27–28, He teaches that lustful intent is equivalent to adultery, highlighting that internal thoughts are as significant as external acts. These teachings shift the focus from external legal compliance to internal moral integrity, challenging societal norms that often emphasize outward appearances and rules over internal virtue.

Further, in Matthew 5:31–32 and 33–37, Jesus addresses the seriousness of divorce and oaths, focusing on the sincerity of internal commitments rather than external rituals. Jesus advocates for truthfulness and integrity, emphasizing that believers' words should reflect genuine internal convictions. In Matthew 5:38–42, He challenges retaliatory justice, promoting a posture of forgiveness and love that contradicts societal tendencies toward retribution. Lastly, in Matthew 5:43–48, Jesus calls for loving enemies and practicing perfection, which heighten the internal moral standard beyond societal expectations of reciprocity and fairness.

In Matthew 6:20–21 and 31–33, Jesus urges believers to focus on heavenly treasures rather than earthly possessions, reflecting internal spiritual priorities over external materialistic values. This teaching exemplifies the internalization of divine values that oppose the external societal pursuit of wealth and status, highlighting a shift from external validation to internal spiritual fulfillment.

Paul’s message in 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 reinforces the distinctiveness of believers. Paul exhorts Christians to be separate from worldly influences, emphasizing internal purity and spiritual fidelity. He warns against forming unequal associations with non-believers, emphasizing that believers are the temple of God's Spirit and must maintain internal holiness that sets them apart from external societal values that promote compromise and secular conformity. His point is clear: Christianity demands internal transformation that manifests in external conduct but is rooted fundamentally in internal spiritual realities.

1 Corinthians 8 discusses the challenge faced by Christians living in diverse cultural environments, especially regarding food and idol worship. Paul acknowledges that in some cultures, consuming food sacrificed to idols might be acceptable externally, but for believers, internal conscience and spiritual integrity are paramount. This chapter highlights the importance of internal conviction over external societal pressures, encouraging believers to prioritize their internal moral compass over external expectations, which may be misguided or inconsistent with their faith.

Overall, biblical teachings consistently advocate for internalized values that oppose external societal norms. Believers are called to internalize divine standards of love, integrity, humility, and holiness that often stand in stark contrast to societal inclinations toward self-interest, materialism, and superficial appearances. Paul’s distinction of believers as the temple of God and Jesus’ radical internal moral standards emphasize that true faith manifests internally before being expressed outwardly. As contemporary Christians navigate global cultures, understanding and internalizing biblical values remain crucial in maintaining authentic faith against external cultural pressures.

References

• Bryan, F. (2015). Living in Two Worlds: Biblical Perspectives on Cultural Engagement. New York: HarperCollins.
• Hagner, D. A. (1995). The Word of the Lord Jesus: A Critical Readings of the Gospels and Acts. Baker Academic.
• Keller, T. (2013). Center Church: Doing Balanced, Gospel-Centered Ministry in Your City. Penguin.
• Swindoll, C. (2010). Jesus: The Greatest Life of All. Zondervan.
• Stott, J. R. W. (2006). Christian Counter-Culture: The Message of the Sermon on the Mount. InterVarsity Press.
• Wright, N. T. (2010). Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters. HarperOne.
• González, J. L. (2010). The Personalism of the New Testament Community. Orbis Books.
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• Cone, J. H. (2011). God of the Oppressed. Orbis Books.