Cross Culture: Resisting

     Perhaps the greatest temptation that Jesus faced in the wilderness wax to become someone he was not, to conform to other people’s expectations. He would be faced with that challenge throughout his life and ministry. Each time, he would resist the temptation, and he would choose to obey God.

      Culture has a strong influence on us as individuals, but we can change culture. We can create an environment that represents God’s desires for humanity, God’s love for humanity. We can create a Cross Culture. Instead of the world changing US, we can change the world. One of the ways we change our world is by resistance. We can resist the temptation to conform to society’s expectations.
     Several years ago, Mode magazine featured on its front cover a tasteful but nude, plus-sized model. She refused to conform to the belief that fat women are ugly and should hide their bodies behind big, baggy clothes. Her resistance sparked a revolution. Large women began to demand attractive clothing, and now even Christian Siriano designs for them.
     Resistance is transforming. It is transforming because it can inspire others to break free. Remember Mahatma Gandhi and the Salt March? Britain had ruled India for more than 100 years. The colonial government had taken over the salt mines, placed taxes on it, and forbidden Indians from producing it themselves. So Gandhi and a few supporters walked across India to the coast where Gandhi picked up salt for himself. It was a simple gesture, but it inspired his fellow citizens to resist British rule, and, eventually, they gained their independence.
     Or maybe you heard about the singing revolution in Eastern Europe. In the 1980s, large groups of people gathered in the streets of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to sing protest songs, and, with the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, they finally gained their independence. Resisting led to transformation.
     History books are full of stories of individuals and groups who resisted the temptation to conform. But there are countless more who make life-changing stands every day: kids who say “no” to drugs and premarital sex; husbands who choose NOT to cheat on their wives or their income taxes; women who opt out of abusive or controlling relationships. Their choices change the world around them.
     That does not mean it is easy. Resisting is hard work. It requires great strength of character. And that type of character is shaped and molded as we spend time alone with God.
     Each day we are confronted with countless temptations to conform to the ways of the world. We are tempted to use our power and influence to get what we want and forget about what God wants or what others need. We are tempted to use our gifts and abilities to show off. We are tempted to take control of each and every situation, to do things our way, and to ignore God’s commands. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to resist such temptations. Sure, that’s how things work in the so-called “real world.” But we are called to be different. We are called to do things differently. We are called to make a difference. We are called to create Cross Culture. God culture. A community of love and grace and mercy. No matter how hard it is. And sometimes it is very, very hard. The temptation to quit or give in is strong.
     It is almost impossible to resist temptation on our own. But the good news for us today is that we do not have to do it alone. The Holy Spirit is at work in us, and it is the Spirit of God within us that gives us the strength to resist, even when it seems as if the whole world is working against us.
     Like Jesus, we can call upon the promises of God, and, even in the wilderness of our lives, we can find the strength and hope and courage to resist temptation. The choices we make will lead us to the resurrection and to that day when God’s will is done on earth as it is in heaven. And what a day of rejoicing THAT will be. Amen? Amen.

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[i] W. Douglas Hood, Jr. recounts this story in a sermon entitled “Identity Crisis,” which is published on The Sermon Mall website at www.sermonmall.com/TheMall/05/feb05/021305z.html. Downloaded February 12, 2005. Hood credits Roberts Kysar’s work John: The Maverick Gospel (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1976), p. 1.

[ii] Hood, 3.

[iii] Patricia E. de Jong’s sermon, “Entering the Wilderness,” is published on the First Congregational Church of Berkeley website at www.fccb.org/sermons/s98/sr980301.html. Downloaded March 3, 2001.