Overcoming Worldly Influence
- Ottawa Innercity Ministries
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
How much do we allow societal values and perceptions influence our thoughts and actions? Have we allowed ourselves to become distracted from our biblical values and beliefs, aligning with worldly values? Some of these worldly views may include the privatization of faith (withdrawing our faith from public life), being consumed by the accumulation of wealth and personal gain, disconnection from those around us, or judging those on the streets or those relying on government assistance.
While we may not fully realize that these are issues impacting us, if we look closely, we may find evidence that they do. Do you find yourself afraid to talk about your faith with strangers? When you walk down the street, do you feel uncomfortable seeing a homeless man, thinking of excuses not to give, ignoring or pretending not to notice them?
Negative society perceptions of the poor are not unique to us today. In fact, they are even recorded in the Bible. Proverbs 14:20 describes the social reality of cultural biases, “The poor is disliked even by neighbours, but the rich has many friends.” In John 9:1-3, Jesus and his disciples encounter a man blind from birth. They ask him, “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” James 2:1-7 brings to light the discrimination even within the church, showing favouritism to the wealthy.
To be clear, my purpose in writing this blog is not to point fingers or guilt-trip anyone with an agenda to support OIM’s ministry. My hope is to encourage reflection and spiritual growth for myself and anyone who reads this. At times, I can find myself being influenced by worldly views rather than biblical ones. The Bible says to “be alert and of sober mind” (1 Peter 5:8). Recognize that worldly values are not cohesive with biblical ones. Rather than judgment, personal gain/wealth, and entitlement, uphold humility, generosity, grace, and love.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
~Jordan, Youth Program Coordinator
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