"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

— Romans 12: 2

The impact on Christians of our culture is extremely harmful.

Why? Because our culture has become anti-God. When was the last time you saw someone pray in a secular movie or even talk about their faith?

From what I have seen, God has been eliminated from the personal lives of the characters portrayed in the entertainment industry. Only in Christian films or at country western awards programs do you ever hear professions of faith. Could this be why Christians are so reluctant to share their faith in public as they are commanded in the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19?

The negative effect our culture is having on Christians became apparent to me when I began hearing people saying, "I’m good" when asked if they want something. Where has common courtesy gone? Doesn’t anyone say "No, thank you" anymore?

Since this phrase has become a pet peeve of mine I’m hearing it all over; in movies, on TV, at church, from friends and I have even caught myself saying it. Our culture is contagious. Now, I’m also hearing people use this phrase when asked how they are.

So whenever I hear someone say, "I’m good," I remind them of what Jesus said to the rich young ruler in Luke18:19, "No one is good but God alone." Also in Matthew 7:11, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask him!"

Sadly, people look at me like I’m crazy for they have been deceived into believing that they are good and have no need to repent.

As I’m sure you have heard, "A lie told often enough becomes the truth." This quote is attributed to Vladimir Lenin who was responsible for the rise of communism in Russia.

So what are we Christians to do as we try to be a light to this dark world? We must do as Paul commanded in Romans 12, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

I love what one of my mentors did with his TV set, he posted Philippians 4:8 above the screen, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things."

To be transformed we must quit feasting on the darkness and feast on the light and there is no better way to renew our minds than feasting on God’s inerrant word. A Proverb a day will keep the foolishness away! To God be all the glory, amen.

Banks is pastor of First Presbyterian Church Hinesville and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.