It’s been said that there have been more significant changes from the end of the twentieth century to the beginning of the twenty-first century than at any comparable time period in recorded human history. What does that mean to those of us who are Christians? Some Christians want to aggressively change the culture; some want to escape and hide; some choose to complain and criticize; and some of us have no idea what we should do.

Let's visit a New Testament story to see what St. Peter did when the culture around him shifted. A man named Cornelius was a centurion in the Italian Regiment that occupied the land of Israel. Although a very good man who sought God, Cornelius was a Gentile, not a Jew. Peter didn’t know Cornelius but he was directed by God to travel to Caesarea to visit him. It isn't hard to guess Peter's cultural prejudice against the visit. Devout Jews rarely entered the homes of Gentiles. This would be like collaborating with the enemy. It’s hard to step out of your comfort zone and reach out to people you don't much like.

God told Peter to go to Cornelius and he went in spite of his discomfort. During his visit Cornelius became a Christian and was baptized. His conversion marked the beginning of the spread of Christianity to Gentiles, an amazing cultural change.

When we’re not sure how to react to changes in the culture around us, the first step is to follow God’s leading regardless of our comfort level – like Peter did.