Daily Direction Reading PlanSample

Experts define culture in many ways. One definition is that culture is the sum total of a group's values, experiences, and achievements: it is the way we do things. When different ethnic groups come to our country, they bring with them their customs. Even though we can learn something from any culture, God calls His people to maintain a set of values that reflect His character. The Apostle Paul helps us understand God's values in his writings. In his letter to the Philippians, chapter 2, he urges believers to remain firm in their faith and live faithful, obedient, and pure lives modeled after Jesus Christ. He urges us to live out our God-given salvation with reverence and fear. We should work hard, not to earn salvation, but to show the results of having Christ within us. He calls us to persevere in our spiritual growth, to obey God passionately. We should do this in response to all God has done for us. We should follow the principles, the values God gives us in His word, the Bible. We strive to be faithful to God, ever knowing that God's Spirit is working in us, giving us the desire and the power to do what pleases Him. In his letter, the apostle urges us to live clean, innocent lives as children of God. Our character should always be that which befits children of God. In a culture whose values often contradict those of a holy and just God, he urges us to shine like bright lights.