At our College, the question of who decides the culture is both important and complex. With a diverse community of students and staff from different generations, nationalities, and backgrounds, creating a unified culture can be challenging. However, the answer is clear: Jesus Christ. This College belongs to Him, and it is His values and teachings that should shape our culture. As a community, we are called to establish a culture in His name.
In Philippians 4:2-9, the Apostle Paul provides a blueprint for building a Christ-centered culture. He emphasizes two key actions: Think and Do.
"Brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."
Philippians 4:8-9
Did you notice how many times the word “whatever” is repeated in verse 8? This repetition reminds us that God’s goodness can be seen everywhere—even in a broken world, it is stamped with His goodness. The repetition also underscores the believer’s responsibility for what we allow into our minds. We must actively seek truth, honor, purity, and excellence.
Additionally, the word “think” here does not merely mean to reason but to keep a record. We must decide what stays in our minds. What we choose to dwell on either complements or undermines our faith in God.
However, thinking and reflecting alone are not enough to change a culture. Action is essential. The good things we see and learn must be lived out, practiced, and implemented, for we are the body of Christ, and His Spirit dwells within us.
We are our culture—parents, students, and teachers alike. Because our personal culture affects our college culture, we must take responsibility for our thoughts and actions. We know that culture is contagious. Let us transform our culture one thought and one decision at a time, and let us do it together.