Family the Microcosm of the Culture

The family is a "microcosm" of the culture as a whole. What we see happening in our families is very likely what is going on all over the country and perhaps the world.

"Microcosm Definition: a community, place, or situation regarded as encapsulating in miniature the characteristic qualities or features of something much larger."

So often we see thing in terms of what we think the rest of the world is doing, forgetting that the rest of the world only shows us their best side, pretending that there is no struggle or evil. All we have to do is watch what happens when we speak about Christ or challenge anyone to greater holiness.

People are no different world wide, they have the same struggles, the same heartaches, the same family dynamics as everyone else. These struggles may manifest themselves in varying ways based on culture, but nonetheless they are basically same everywhere.

1 Peter 4:12-19
"12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified."

The passage in 1 Peter speaks to every believer all over the world all the time.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 "3 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
2 For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy,
3 unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good,
4 treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
5 holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these."

I notice from the 2 Timothy 3 passage that the people described there have a "form of godliness", they believe their deeds and antics are good when in fact they are evil.

Romans 3:22-23 "…22 And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

When we know that everyone who loves Christ will encounter the same things, we don't have to take personally anything that comes against us. Answer transparently, honestly, while considering truth in terms of the Bible.

If we are embarrassed or offended let it be because we were wrong and in need of change, not because someone else controlled our feelings by their manipulation. False guilt keeps us in a continual state of insecurity, making us less bold for Christ.

If we have sinned and are guilty, then we must confess it and move on to do better. If discernment shows us that others are attempting to control us through false guilt, then we can shake it off and continue with Christ as though their tactics had no affect at all.

1 John 1:9 "9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."