INTRODUCTION

Early last month, we had one of our twice annual minister's retreats sponsored by our Christ Covenant Coalition network. Keynote speaker Larry Keefauver,  former editor of Ministries Today magazine, touched on many relevant topics, however one interactive dialogue really helped me gain more insight into one of my favorite subjects; American culture!

 

A TEMPORAL TIME FRAME

By and large, we discovered that America has a predominantly contract based culture. By this we mean that most transactions that take place do so on a task orientated basis, whether they be of a business, social or personal nature.

 

A contract is on a bi-level basis involving just two parties, and having conditions that if broken cause the contract to be null and void. Contracts are also based on a temporal time frame with a clear use by date.

 

THE ULTIMATE THIRD PARTY

Our culture has muddied the line between contract and covenant! Larry said, "In America there's no understanding of covenant... a covenant is tri-level, not just involving two people, but also including the ultimate third party; God!"

 

God's language is covenantal! His word, the Bible, is written in a covenant context. You will never fully grasp His message to us unless you understand the dynamics of covenant. If we interpret His word from a contractual basis, we will miss the whole point of His redemptive plan. In a contract, if either party does not keep their side of the bargain, the contact is broken. In a 'tri-level' covenant, one party can default, but God always keeps His word, which makes covenants eternal not temporary.

 

A ONE WAY STREET

Perhaps that's why we have such relationally broken society here in America. Our consumer culture continually encourages us to think 'it's all about me!' Self-centeredness reigns in place of selflessness. The initial mutual benefits afforded by contracts can quickly disintegrate when one party decides to turn it into a 'one way street!' Here the relationship becomes one sided which will eventually cause the contract to break down. Mutually contributive relationships are much more lasting, particularly when they are covenantal.

 

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE WITH YOU

From politician's promises to marriage, the first covenant instituted by God, broken promises have become a 'way of life' in our fractionated society, because too often we have left God out of the equation. Our way of life would enjoy a lot more of God's grace and favor if we put Him back in the middle of all our affairs.