Biblical Values vs. Modern Culture: Choosing God’s Kingdom
Following Jesus these days can feel like swimming upstream in a culture that pulls us toward self-centered ambitions. As disciples, we’re called to live for God’s Kingdom, not the world’s priorities. Let’s explore what it means to choose Jesus’ way over the culture around us. We’ll highlight a simple list to see where these paths diverge.
The Call of God’s Kingdom
From the moment Jesus began His ministry, He gave us a clear choice: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). That wasn’t just a warning—it was an invitation to turn from living for ourselves and embrace God’s Kingdom, a way “not of this world” (John 18:36). Jesus called people to rethink their priorities, to stop chasing their own desires—what Scripture calls the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16)—and live under God’s kingship.
This is the heart of our faith: a life centered on loving God and our neighbors, walking humbly, and keeping our hope fixed on eternity. As disciples, we’re called to mirror Jesus’ compassion—like when He washed the disciples’ feet or welcomed outcasts. It’s about living with integrity and purity in a world that blurs the lines, leaning into the church community for support, and trusting God’s will, even when it’s tough. The Kingdom life says, “God’s way first,” no matter the cost.
The Pull of Today’s Culture
Now, let’s look at the values driving U.S. culture in 2025. Scroll through social media or catch the news, and you’ll see a focus on me—my identity, my success, my happiness. Individualism rules, urging everyone to define their own truth and chase personal freedom above all else. Success is measured by bigger paychecks, fancier houses, or viral posts, with consumerism whispering that more stuff equals more fulfillment. Morality is often seen as relative—what’s right for you might not be for me—and what’s right for me may not be right for you. People crave instant gratification, whether it’s next-day delivery or a quick dopamine hit from a phone screen.
What We See in Culture
I recently read about a young woman who left her job to become a full-time influencer, chasing fame with picture-perfect posts and the mantra “live your truth.” Brand deals rolled in, but she later posted a video sharing how empty she felt, always anxious to grab the next like or lead the next trend. That’s the world’s promise: individualism and consumerism will bring you happiness. But at the end of that path is more often a person left feeling hollow and unfulfilled. That’s why people keep seeking and searching for the next thing that will satisfy. The Kingdom, on the other hand, calls us to something different. Disciples are called to humility and contentment, and in the process find something richer than happiness. They find joy in drawing near to God, satisfaction in serving others, and hope in the promise of eternal life.
Values: Biblical vs. Cultural
How do these values line up? Here’s where the Kingdom of God and modern culture often part ways:
- Core Focus:
- Kingdom values center on God’s kingship and eternal hope
- Culture pushes self-focused autonomy and instant gratification.
- Moral Framework:
- Kingdom stands on truth from Scripture
- Culture leans on subjective, “my truth” morality.
- Success:
- Kingdom disciples seek to serve others, bear fruit, and grow spiritually
- Culture defines success by wealth, status, and personal achievement.
- Personal Conduct:
- Kingdom calls for humility and purity
- Culture celebrates self-expression, recognition, and personal fulfillment.
The tension is real. The Kingdom asks us to surrender to God’s will, while culture shouts, “You do you!” Scripture points to eternal hope, but the world chases instant results. While disciples seek God’s truth, society often says truth is whatever feels right. Yet Proverbs warns, “There is a way that seems right, but its end is destruction” (Proverbs 14:12). Kingdom people are motivated by eternal purpose that glorifies God while culture’s inspirations shift with human ideals that morph with each new generation.
Living as Kingdom Disciples
It’s easy to get tangled in the world’s ways—easier, honestly, than living for God’s Kingdom. The world’s path is mindless, driven by feelings and desires, reacting to what we want in the moment. But Jesus calls us to something far greater—a life of love and self-sacrifice. This is why He started His ministry with a call to repent and live in the Kingdom—inviting people to turn to something deeper, truly satisfying, and ever-lasting.
Disciples don’t retreat from or judge the world. Just as Jesus did, we engage with the world, serving and inviting them to be a part of a kingdom that is identified by love and characterized by transformation. Disciples are called to walk as Jesus walked. We engage with culture, build relationships, and use technology—but we do not let the things of this world nor its values define us. We ground ourselves in Scripture, lean into our church family, and choose humility over self-promotion. We say no to chasing likes or stuff and yes to drawing near to God through spiritual disciplines and serving others, even though it’s countercultural.
Think back to that influencer chasing empty likes. As disciples, we have something more valuable: a life rooted in God’s unchanging love, where true fulfillment comes from knowing Him and making Him known. So, let’s confess where we’ve drifted, repent as needed, and help each other live for the Kingdom—one step, one choice, one prayer at a time.
Stay strong as Kingdom disciples!
Baker Heights Member