When we lack revelation and don’t understand God’s purpose in any given area of life, we quickly begin to imitate the changing fads of society. Imitation replaces revelation. Much of what we do in life is often an imitation of others because we lack our own revelation of God’s purposes.
Our national culture is collapsing because we have lost the revelation for marriage, church, raising children, and the purpose of government. When we have no revelation of God’s purpose, we simply imitate the culture around us or allow others to tell us what is right and wrong. This will always lead to confusion, frustration and failure.
Imitation can be seen in churches. Legalism and tradition become normal when there is no revelation of true fellowship with God and the power of His Word. Imitation can also be seen as nations rush to copy other nations in the subjects of marriage, abortion and gender issues.
True life and reality must come from a genuine revelation of your identity in Christ and His call on your life. That revelation and call may not allow you to imitate others. God is a Creator, not a follower. The health of society must come from a revelation of God’s purpose for marriage, family and civil government.
If each generation is never taught and never truly understands God’s principles for life and peace, darkness will replace the light and both society and the church will disintegrate.
Revelation knowledge is the key to a meaningful life. Whether we are talking about marriage, church, education or government, we need to have spiritual understanding of God’s original intentions. What is God’s intention for marriage? What is God’s purpose for sex? What is God’s purpose for civil government? The list can go on and on. Until we have a true revelation in these areas, we will be carried along by the culture of the moment and the traditions of others.
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (Col. 2:8)
Barry Bennett is an instructor- Charis Bible College Colorado. He is a graduate of Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas, and has been serving the Lord since 1972. He and his wife, Betty Kay, have served on the mission field in Mexico, Guatemala, and in Chile, where they spent almost 12 years before returning to Texas in 2001.
