Building a Culture of Life
1 Kings 22:11 – 23:25
Most Christians recognize that some things are terribly wrong in the culture in which we live. Some would point out the prevalence of social injustices such as poverty, racism and crime. Others would call attention to the growing tolerance of evils such as sexual immorality, blatant dishonesty and devaluation of human life. In particular, many Christians view the abhorrent but all too common practices of abortion and euthanasia, as evidence that our culture desperately needs change lest we face God’s judgment. Israel’s King Josiah serves as an example to us as he brought about national reforms based on God’s law. His emphasis to renew culture in line with God’s ways encourages us to work prayerfully to “build a culture of life.” From Josiah’s reforms, we find four principles to guide us today in following his example.
An emerging climate of reform led to the discovery of the book of the law, most likely the Pentateuch. After a reading of God’s law, King Josiah instructed his staff to ask what the nation needed to do to avoid divine judgment. By studying the Scriptures and praying for God-given understanding, we can know God’s instructions for building a culture of life – a culture that pleases rather than angers the Lord. The first principle we learn from Josiah is “Follow the right blueprint” (2 Kings 22:11-13).
King Josiah gathered people from all walks of life to the temple in Jerusalem and pledged to lead them in living according to the Lord’s ways. By setting the example of deciding to live according to the Lord’s ways, we can encourage others to make such a decision and to help build a godly culture of life. The second principle we learn from Josiah is “Encourage others’ involvement” (2 Kings 23:1-3).
Josiah led in making a number of cultural and spiritual reforms, none of which was more crucial than the reform of ending the barbaric practice of child sacrifice outside Jerusalem. As part of his reforms, King Josiah destroyed the altar outside Jerusalem where people were committing child sacrifices to a false god. Believers can help build a godly culture of life by working to protect the lives and well-being of all children, including those still in the womb. We must find ways to oppose abortion as well as to help prevent child abuse and to care for victims of abuse. Churches can help support safe havens for abused women and children, as well as provide counseling services for pregnant women or couples who might be considering an abortion. The third principle we learn from Josiah is “Protect children’s well-being” (2 Kings 23:10).
King Josiah kept working to remove all ungodly practices in Judah, gaining a reputation of having no equal in wholeheartedly turning to the Lord. Believers can keep working to build a godly culture of life, realizing that such a goal is worthy of wholehearted, lifelong effort. For example, we can work to enlist and elect leaders at every level of society who know the Lord and who seek to live by the teachings of God’s Word. In order to do this, we must follow the fourth principle from Josiah’s life: “Keep your heart in it” (2 Kings 23:24-25).
Larry McDonald– Lessons by Larry McDonald, dean of North Greenville University’s Graduate School of Christian Ministry and professor of Christian spirituality. He holds a Ph.D. from Southeastern Seminary and a D.Min. from Reformed Theological Seminary.