Kingdom Culture Vs. Cancel Culture

Over the last few years, we have been, increasing, encountering a culture both within and outside     The Christian faith with people not being able to get along.  Diverse opinions, theologies or political dissent has divided friends, family, workplaces and churches. Too often these day, dialogues become dialogues. Honor, respect and diversity of views have become reasons for ending relationships. As you may know, it's now referred to as the cancel culture. People just don't seem to know how to have a relationship with one another. I can understand when those who do not know Christ sever their relationships with one another; however, I don't understand Christians who think its okay to divorce, to separate and divide themselves from each other, and then write off their relationships with one another and then just say God told me to do it. In other words, without scriptural foundation they end relationships blaming God told me. Who can argue with that mindset?  Well, let me start out by saying two things: (1) God never instructs his people to do things contrary to his word; and (2) God never told you that regardless of your feelings, emotions, or thoughts. God does not advocate the cancel culture. It's contrary to the Word Of God.  

       Most of the time, regardless of age, people who are arrested develop- mentally, both emotionally and spiritually have difficulty in their relationships because they were not properly taught by their parents how to properly relate to others.  This is certainly nothing new since the New Testament has a huge repertoire of how we should address offenses, unforgiveness, hurt, bitterness, division, conflicts, trust or I just don't need this. The scripture teaches us how to handle ALL of our relationships with God. Fundamentally, how you handle your relationship with others is a direct witness of how you see God, how you see yourself, and how you see others. Your mishandling of relationships in your life speaks volumes on what kind of person you are. If you really believe you are a Christian you just don't get an option just to opt out.  Relationships are designed to grind. ALL relationships are painful at times.  They are designed to reveal what's inside of us - those unhealed areas of our life that need to be taken to the Cross and brought to death within us. The scriptures are clear to those who believe that they are to be like Christ - who was mistreated, called names, spit upon, beaten, and crucified. Even while he was hanging on the cross the two thieves were hurling insults and mocking him. He took all that and then forgave ALL who participated in that effort to silence his voice from their lives. He rose above it all and provided a way for us to be transformed.  Ephesians  4:17-18 says: "So I tell you and encourage you in the Lord's name not to live any longer like other people in the world. Their minds are set on worthless things. They can't understand because they are in the dark. They are excluded from the life that God approves of. because of their ignorance and stubbornness."  Being a part of the Cancel Culture is living like other people in the world. It is evidence of an antiChrist spirit in yourself.  

A cancel culture mindset is all about you and your lack of ability to examine how you're bad decisions impact others around you - especially when you get others to side with you without a due process. Just because you think it's God, you think your right, and you think it's okay doesn't mean you're right. The Apostle Paul makes it clear your mind is set on worthless things and your choices are based in ignorance and stubbornness (you're need to be right) What else is evident is when you drag others into your views to affirm and support you without working through the processes required in the Bible on how to handle difficulty in relationship. Matthew 18:15 states clearly, "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. However, going to others and rehearsing your thoughts without doing this is a violation of the Word of God. You have now sown discord in the Body Of Christ.    Anytime conflict, resentment, fear, lack of trust, pain emerges within you and I - the things that trigger us, make us mad, overwhelmed, frustrated, and want to pull away, divorce, or sever a relationship we need to turn to the word of God and handle it properly.  It's not okay to be a part of a cancel culture and cut people off with a text, an email, or deleting them off your social media  without having a good  heartfelt conversation working through every piece of what it takes to reconcile your relationship with others. We will discuss this further by looking at a few scriptures.    You are not suppose to make your problem the problem of others, especially when they are mutual friends.  When you rehearse your "resentments, hurts, bitterness, etc. without going through with the one who has caused offense - alone first.   You doing nothing more than defiling the others around you. Who gets to challenge our mindset? Ephesian 4:17-22 states three things:  Put Off The Old Mindset, Be Renewed In The Spirit Of Your Mind, and Put On Christ.  Your life speaks clearly and reflects your choices especially when you're having inner conflicts. Conflicts are a part of life.  There is no way to ignore them, stick your head in the sand and hope they go away. You have to have that conversation. You have to obey the Word Of God. In John 2:3 says "If we say we know God but do not obey his commands, we are lying. The truth is not in us." Aren’t you glad Jesus isn’t a part of the cancel culture? If you are a real follower of Jesus you are a part of a kingdom culture not a cancel culture. Here's what Kingdom Culture people do:

Ephesians 4:29-32

"Don't say anything that would hurt another person,

Instead, speak only what is good so that you can give help wherever it is needed.

That way, what you say will help those who hear you.

Don't grieve the Holy Spirit any reason to be upset with you...

He has put His seal on you for the day you will be set free from the world of sin.

Get rid of your bitterness, hot tempers, anger, loud quarreling, cursing and hatred.

Be kind to each other, sympathetic, forgiving each other 

as God has forgiven you through Christ

This is still true even in the face of a cancel culture. Friendship takes love, listening commitment, faith, time, perseverance, death to self and loyalty in the face of all odds and challenges you face in life. Real Christians who call themselves friends listen, counsel, pray and stay with you regardless of the challenge it takes to stay in relationships. It's not about you! It's always about staying a true to your friend. Just know that as your friend, I are committed to you and are praying for you regardless of the challenges you face in your life... because that’s the character and nature of the God we serve. ... while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. No greater love does a man have than to lay his life down for his friends (Jesus said this). Aren’t you glad he’s not a part of the cancel culture! What kind Of Friend do You want To Be? One that reflects the character and nature of God? or one who thinks a cancel culture is okay?

Romans 12:17

"Do your best to live at peace with everyone." 

Throughout Scripture Christians are told to love others. Love does no harm to its neighbor. We are not to hurt others physically or emotionally. Words do hurt people. Think before you say something to hurt someone’s feelings. Not only words said directly to the person, but words said when that person is not around. And think before you press that delete button!