If you live in a first world country, you likely experience a cultural heritage with tremendous benefits kings of old couldn’t even dream of. The laws, principles and traditions functioning throughout society enable you to have things you might take for granted, such as clean water, private property rights, or the rule of law.
Though baked into the fabric of our culture, they are not guaranteed. These benefits were bought and paid for through great sacrifice and hard work of those who have gone before us. The Whole Steward pays attention to this, nurturing, growing and investing in your cultural heritage in as much as it accords with God’s desires.
Religious Heritage
Religious freedom is necessary for true gospel conversion, because one cannot be forced into the kingdom of heaven. They must be given the freedom to repent and believe the gospel, with the goal then of living a peaceful and quiet life, dignified in every way. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God.
You might object, because the gospel goes forth and takes root in closed countries providing no religious freedom whatsoever. Regardless of whether the government provides a framework to worship God freely, the gospel compels you to do so. Before God almighty, you have freedom of religion, though it may cost you many earthly things and even your own life.
It pleases God our Savior for society to provide a protective framework under which freedom of worship is recognized and protected. The alternative is injustice, persecution, destruction and death. These trials are promised to those who follow Christ, but are not a good thing, though God can work them out for good.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Human beings bear the image of God. Their purpose is to worship their creator. Inherent to that image is human dignity which by nature ought to be protected. This is the Christian basis for Freedom of Religion, one of our core societal recognitions.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
American Declaration of Independence 1776
But freedom isn’t free. Many have given their lives for this freedom. Many have worked hard to maintain it. Paul in 1st Timothy urges that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for this. This is an ongoing labor of love for what is good in the sight of God.
The Family
There are other cultural foundations based in the bible which have many benefits to recognize. For example, the family is the historical bedrock up which God has instituted all of society to be built upon. We must strive to protect and preserve that which is sacred to keep a firm foundation in this area.
Our culture has historically benefited from the institution of marriage and it must be held in high esteem. Focus on building up your own family while supporting others who do the same. Fight for legislation and judicial protection of the family. This is pleasing in God’s sight and renders tremendous blessing throughout a society.
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
Ephesians 5:22, 5:25, 6:1
Family is the first and primary safety net instituted by God. Families are to be there for one another, care for one another, and provide for one another. It is sin to not do so.
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
1 Timothy 5:8
Make and keep your families strong, and thus glorify God. Fulfill the law of Christ.
The Government
If you achieve great financial wealth and success, but lose the foundations of your culture, in what context will we enjoy it and into what society will we deploy it? Pray for your leaders and for your country, defend and uphold the sacred, love justice and righteousness.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1–4
“We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry would break the strongest cords of our constitution as a whale goes through a net.”
“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
John Adams
A peaceful and quiet life is what God desires authorities to facilitate. This is the biblical case for freedom and good in society where justice and mercy reign. But a government of the people, by the people, for the people, will only survive with a proper and strong foundation. Though it seems at times we are loosing that, fight to keep it and preserve it.
The Law
God made many laws in both the moral and civil code which translate directly or indirectly to society today. For example, murder is prohibited, stealing is prohibited, lying is prohibited. There are laws of restitution, economics, equity and the family. There are many simple and complex correlations in our society to the laws and standards laid out in scripture. In as much as this match with God’s word and His holiness, we should appreciate them, support them and obey them.
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval,
Romans 13:1–3
Obey them, as long as the laws and law enforcement are truly a terror to bad conduct and rewarder of good conduct. Some misinterpret Paul’s teaching here as saying we should obey the governing authorities no matter what. But Paul is being prescriptive for both the subjects and the governing authorities so that the subject doing good would not fear them, but actually receive approval. If the Laws are changed to be a terror to good conduct and a reward for bad conduct, then consider this:
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.
Acts 5:29
Consider supporting advocacy groups which sponsor good and proper legislation or join with them directly. Pray for your leaders, your legislators and all in authority.
Civic Duty
There are certain civic duties you are required to and should participate. This include voting in elections and serving jury duty. It should not be a nuisance to serve in these capacities. As imperfect as they are, be thankful you are given a voice through your vote and are served justice by your peers rather than an oligarch.
Summary
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8
Reflect
- What is a cultural benefit you see pleasing to God and worth protecting?
2. Where do you see a weakness in the culture needing work and how can you help?
