Tuesday 6th October
IN but not OF!
‘‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is; and you hold fast to My name….’Rev 2:13
Have you heard of Cultural Assimilation?
Don’t stop reading! This is important for all of us to understand. Bear with me; it will become clear why I am asking you to think about this subject. Here is a brief explanation. Cultural assimilation is the process by which a person or a group’s language and/or culture comes to resemble those of another group . Assimilation may involve either a quick or gradual change depending on the circumstances of the group. Full assimilation occurs when new members of a society become indistinguishable from members of the other group that form the dominant society. (Expedia.com)
What does our language or culture resemble?
We all face the challenge that the possibilities of ‘cultural assimilation’ present to us as followers of Jesus. Part of the purpose of Christ coming was to enable a new way of living that is representative of a different kingdom to the one that we live in. Paul encourages us, not to be conformed by the world we live in, but to be transformed by thinking differently to the world’s ways of thinking (Rom 12:1-2). Therefore, if we don’t do this, then our culture as believers – that is – the way we think; what we believe and the way we behave are no different to that of the world we live in we have a major problem! If this is the case, then we have allowed ourselves to be assimilated into society’s ways of thinking, it’s beliefs and so are behaving no differently to them. We are indistinguishable from those around us.
This challenge was exactly the same in the church at Pergamum. Jesus recognises the huge challenge they face, He describes them as living ‘where Satan’s throne is’. That must have been a very uncomfortable place to live. Pergamum was the seat of the Roman governor for the whole region therefore allegiance to the Emperor and the following of the imperial cult practices would have been of critical importance to those living in the city. Living in the city, taking part in civic life would make the option to just ‘go with the flow’ very attractive. But the believers in Pergamum were commended by Jesus for their faithfulness to the Gospel. They refused to go with the flow “you hold fast to My name and you did not deny My faith…” There was even one person that Jesus singles out (V13). Anitpas was reportedly a dentist and physician who was accused of secretly propagating Christianity. This made him disloyal to Caesar and so he was killed.
So what is the lesson here? Firstly, do you think you stand out as different, at home, in the work place, shopping or playing sport? We should be different. Secondly, ask yourself, what can I do to stop myself being drawn into a worldly way of thinking?
The challenge of all believers for all time is that of how they live in the world, in this case the Christians of Pergamum ‘..dwell where Satan’s throne is…’, yet remain faithful to the Gospel of God.
Do we stand out as different? How do we protect against cultural assimilation? Do we go along with the prevailing culture or walk in an opposite direction?