Welcome to the present era. It appears that society swiftly dismisses any thoughts even before they can be expressed. But who truly represents society? As believers in Christ, don't we belong to a higher realm? (John 17:16 - "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.")
Let us always remember that though we exist in this world, we are not defined by its culture. Allowing secular influences to shape our identity as Christians would be a grave error. The allure of popular opinion should never sway us.
It is crucial to acknowledge that the prevailing "cancel culture" movement carries significant consequences for us as children of God. We are witnessing the rise of a generation that readily takes offense, dwells on past grievances, and holds grudges. For believers, such a mindset can be perilous ground. It hinders our prayers from being answered, obstructs the operation of miracles in our lives, and keeps us distanced from the presence of God.
Here, I present three compelling reasons why we should abstain from participating in the cancel culture movement:
Offense:
Offense is an insidious weapon Satan employs to obstruct the blessings of God from flowing into our lives. In these last days, it poses one of the greatest threats to individuals' destinies and overall well-being.
When trapped in offense, one begins to harbor feelings of anger and resentment, which fuel criticism, division, rebellion, and strife. Sadly, this mirrors the prevailing state of our current culture. Such emotions stand in stark contrast to the fruit of the Spirit that should govern our lives. However, by dedicating more time to reading and internalizing the Word of God, rather than being influenced solely by media and society's opinions, we can safeguard ourselves against deceit.
In John 14:15, Jesus says, "If you love me, obey my commandments." Compare this with Psalm 119:165, which states, "Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." When we truly love God's Word, delight in obeying His commandments, and keep His instructions in our hearts, seeking to please Him alone, we will experience profound peace.
Do not allow the lies propagated by this world to rob you of what the Lord has provided. Offense will hinder the miracles you seek to receive. Remember, offense is an action, but choosing to be offended is within our control. Though others may commit offenses against us, we retain the power to decide whether we will be offended by them.
Dwelling on the Past:
Cancel culture places great emphasis on dwelling on the past, urging us to constantly look over our shoulders. Yet, as children of God, our focus should be different. Apart from the day of our salvation and the marvelous testimonies God has granted us, we need not dwell on the past (Revelation 12:11).
Satan desires for us to recall all the mistakes we have made, constantly second-guessing ourselves. However, instead of fixating on the past, Jesus offers us a future—an exceedingly glorious one. Jeremiah 29:11 declares, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Christ does not subject us to perpetual regret and shame. He has set us free, and it is imperative that we stand firm in this freedom (Galatians 5:1). It is time to rise to new levels of faith. Let go of the past, for your faith does not operate there—it is the creative power that shapes your future!
Un-forgiveness:
Many individuals unknowingly destroy their health and lives by harboring the poison of bitterness, resentment, and Un-forgiveness. This destructive root can persist for years, causing immense harm.
The three points discussed in this article are all snares sent by the enemy to bring death and destruction into our lives. Satan aims to extinguish our faith, hinder the manifestation of miracles, and impede our growth and increase. Mark 11:22-26 clearly teaches us that Un-forgiveness hampers the operation of our faith. How can we expect our heavenly Father to forgive our sins if we fail to forgive others?
We must not allow cancel culture to take root in our lives. We must resist the temptation to become easily offended and hurt. Instead, we ought to release the past and let go of Un-forgiveness that lingers in our hearts.
Remember, we are not called to conform to cultural correctness or political correctness. As children of God, our calling is to align with scriptural correctness. As we hide the Word of God in our hearts, we become imitators of Christ on this earth. Our purpose is to stand out, not to blend in with the masses. It is time to take a firm stand against cancel culture and promote the culture of God's kingdom.
In conclusion, as Christians, we are called to transcend the limitations of worldly culture. We are not defined by societal trends or popular opinions.
Offense, dwelling on the past, and Un-forgiveness are all tactics employed by the enemy to hinder our faith, rob us of miracles, and impede our growth. Instead, let us immerse ourselves in God's Word, which brings peace and guards against deceit. Let go of offense, focus on the future God has planned for us, and release Un-forgiveness from our hearts. By doing so, we align ourselves with the Kingdom of God and demonstrate the transformative power of His truth in a culture driven by cancellation.