An outdoor adventurer loved to get close to big whirlpools in lakes and other locations. He used a body camera and got up close under the water. He would then post the videos to YouTube.

It was exhilarating, but dangerous. During one of his dives he died. He got too close and was sucked into the vortex.

It’s a harsh image, but one that is fitting. These days, we risk getting sucked in to the cultural moment all around us. It’s that powerful. It’s that suffocating. 

In every era, God’s people need to be deliberate about who they are and how they respond to what is happening around them. Otherwise they can get sucked in. And it can be deadly.

At the outset, Jesus’ people were Spirit-filled disciples on the margins of society. After the conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine it became fashionable to be a Christian. Some Christians (not all) became enamored with prestige and worldly success. When that happened, something was lost in who they were called to be.

In the middle ages, a similar thing happened with the Crusades. Granted, the crusades were complicated, and there was a lot more happening there than people realize. Even still, some Christians (not all) got drawn in to the blood and violence of the time. When that happened, something was lost in who they were called to be.

What is happening in our own time? What is that big cultural movement which threatens to suck us in? It’s hard to be sure. But the past is a warning to us. We need to be deliberate about who Jesus is calling us to be.

Romans 12:2 bellows to the modern believer: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” 

How do we resist misguided conformity and instead embrace godly transformation? 

By adopting a Jesus-first policy. 

When you hear about a contentious issue, don’t get sucked in, shine. Ask yourself: what might I think, say or do in light of my Jesus-first policy? 

When you want to rage because of this or that announcement, don’t get sucked in, shine. Ask yourself: what might I think, say or do in light of my Jesus-first policy?

When everyone you know is demanding that you conform to what they think, don’t get sucked in, shine. Ask yourself: what might I think, say or do in light of my Jesus-first policy?

Brothers and sisters, beware of the vortex which threatens to suck you in. Be deliberate, don’t conform to the world, put Jesus first, and shine.

Notes and extra content:

—Helping the local youth shelter – I’m walking to support Youth Haven, our local youth shelter (who needs our help). I’ve known people who’ve needed their services, shelter and support in a crisis. If you’re in a position to do so, please consider giving a few dollars! Click here.

–“Christians risk getting sucked into a vortex. Here’s what to do.” Sermon. Feb 9, 2025. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.