January 23, 2022 · 1 Timothy 5:1–2 (NLT)

Creating a Christ Culture

Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.

“It started to come out about how employees were being treated on the set. And the stories at first were a couple, and then a few more people confirmed that it kind of became an avalanche. And one of the people — were talking, but they were saying — basically, that there was this, like, funny, kind, generous, fun person who was on the screen, but there was a mean and abusive person, and an abusive culture, in the real life for the employees. Now, at first a lot of people said, "Oh, this is a little jealousy and bitterness," and they kind of dismissed it. But more and more started to come out. And eventually even celebrities started speaking up about this, and how they had been treated, and how they had sensed this entire thing. … It was the fact that the whole foundation of the show and the persona was under this facade of "Be kind." But before we pass judgment, I would like to wonder how many times could this be said about the Christian church? We're built on a motto of "Love your neighbour as yourself." So often in history — or even presently — are we doing the exact opposite? Are we mean and belligerent? This is a very difficult reality that we face in the church: that we have a reputation for being unkind. And what we need to recognize is that Christ came to build a kingdom, and within that kingdom it was supposed to be a culture.”