What does it mean to civilize the world? When we think of an uncivilized nation, we think of a chaotic society. A civilization has elements such as government, economics, societal structures and arts. Civilizing our world for God, would mean we would bring all these aspects of our culture under God's command. An example of a society that resembles this is illustrated with Old Testament Israel. God was Israel's leader. The laws of the nation were God's laws. The economics of the society were the economics of God. The agriculture practices were the agricultural practices of God. Of course the nation of Israel rebelled many times against God's culture, but God, being the head of this nation, dealt with them accordingly.
How does one person, like me, civilize the world? Fortunately, we are not alone. A civilization is comprised of more than one person. One person doing their part teamed with millions of other Christians can make a huge difference. A good example is your job. In your workplace, you can civilize your little portion of the world by doing a great number of things. You can always have a good attitude towards work or be a good witness by acting Christ-like even in the most stressful situations. You can talk to others about Christ or make the company more efficient by reducing waste. One cannot separate the world into "Spiritual" (church and ministry), and "Non-Spiritual" (work, recreation, etc.). Remember even Christ was a carpenter before going into full-time ministry. Christ did not think that he couldn't serve God as a carpenter.
What does it mean to civilize the world for God? It means we accomplish Worship and Service in every aspect of life. Through this we glorify God, which is his Mission.
Interact with Scripture/QuestionsRead Ex. 20: 2-17. Read how Israel's laws were God's laws. Read Matt 5: 1-16.
List the areas of life you live in (family, work, church, etc.).
List out the characteristics God wants us to have.
Write each characteristic that God wants us to have, with the areas of life where these characteristics are weak.
What is God teaching about himself in this passage?
Scripture ReferencesExodus 20: [2] "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
[3] "You shall have no other gods before me.
[4] "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. [5] You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, [6] but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
[7] "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
[8] "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. [9] Six days you shall labor and do all your work, [10] but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. [11] For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
[12] "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
[13] "You shall not murder.
[14] "You shall not commit adultery.
[15] "You shall not steal.
[16] "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
[17] "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Matt 5:[1] Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, [2] and he began to teach them, saying:
[3] "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[4] Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
[5] Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
[6] Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
[7] Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
[8] Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
[9] Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
[10] Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[11] "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. [12] Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
[13] "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
[14] "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. [15] Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. [16] In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
 |
F A I T H |
