Culture Wars Family Devotional - Week 6

Opening Prompt 

Tell me what you learned about God this week?

Let me share with you what I learned about God this week…

Focus: Absolute truth is not shaped by culture or opinions; it is found in God’s Word. 

• Tell: Tell your kids about a time when people disagreed strongly about what was “true” or “right.” Share how confusing it can feel when everyone seems to have a different opinion. 
• Share: Share how God’s Word helped you know what is true, even when culture or friends say something different. Explain that following Jesus sometimes means believing and living differently from the world around us.
• Ask: Ask your kids:
  • How do you usually decide if something is true?
  • Do you think truth can change depending on what people believe?
  • Why do you think it might be hard to follow God’s truth today?

Read this Scripture with your family:

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” 

John 17:17

Talk about this devotional thought:

In John 17, Jesus is praying for His followers. He knows they will live in a world that doesn’t always love or accept God’s truth. Jesus teaches us four important things about truth.

First, truth is absolute. Truth doesn’t change based on opinions, feelings, or culture. God’s Word shows us what is true. Second, truth is often despised. Jesus says the world may reject God’s truth because it challenges the way people want to live. Third, truth is sanctifying. God uses His truth to shape us, grow us, and make us more like Jesus. The more we know God’s Word, the more it changes us. Finally, truth is sacrificial. Jesus gave His life for the truth, and following Him may sometimes cost us popularity, comfort, or approval. But it is always worth it. Jesus doesn’t ask God to take us out of the world—He asks God to protect us and set us apart so we can live for Him in the world.

Questions to Ask 

• Why do you think God’s truth doesn’t change?
• What are some ways people reject or ignore truth today?
• How does God’s Word help us grow and change?
• What might it cost to follow Jesus and His truth?

(Tip for parents: Let kids answer freely. There’s no rush to correct everything. The goal is conversation, not perfection.)

Prayer

Each day this week, pray this short prayer together: 

“God, thank You for giving us Your Word. Help us know what is true and trust You even when it’s hard. Shape our hearts by Your truth and give us courage to follow Jesus with love and faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Memory Verse 

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

John 17:17