15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus

In a materialistic world, it’s easy to overlook how our actions and attitudes align with the teachings of Jesus Christ. While many identify as Christians, a closer examination reveals that numerous modern behaviors directly contradict the principles Jesus advocated.

According to a survey, 80% of U.S. adults believe that religion is losing influence in American life.1 

As society continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly important to reflect on how our choices and lifestyles measure up to the timeless wisdom imparted by Jesus. Here are 15 contemporary behaviors that stray from the path Jesus laid out for his followers.

1. Obsession with Material Possessions

15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus » woman shopping for shoes ss158412434
Image Credit: Karramba Production/Shutterstock.

In today’s consumer-driven society, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of the latest gadgets, fashion trends, and luxury items. However, Jesus emphasized the importance of spiritual wealth over material possessions.

In Matthew 6:19-21, he advises, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

2. Judging Others

15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus » manipulative friends ss2364469907
Image Credit: Nicoleta Ionescu/Shutterstock

With social media, it’s easier than ever to pass judgment on others based on their appearance, lifestyle choices, or beliefs. However, Jesus preached a message of love, compassion, and non-judgment.

In Matthew 7:1-2, he famously declares, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

3. Neglecting the Poor & Marginalized

15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus » poor woman ss102190150
Illustration. Image Credit: Oleg Golovnev/Shutterstock.

Jesus consistently showed compassion for the poor, sick, and marginalized members of society. He taught his followers to care for the less fortunate and to treat them with dignity and respect.

In Matthew 25:40, he famously declares, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

However, in our modern world, it’s easy to overlook or ignore the plight of those in need. A 2019 report by the U.S. Census Bureau found that 34 million Americans live in poverty,(ref) yet many people remain unaware of or indifferent to their struggles.

4. Prioritizing Work over Faith & Family

15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus » man working with woman ss2191323445
Image Credit: AnotherPerfectDay/Shutterstock

In a fast-paced, competitive world, it’s easy to prioritize work and career success over faith, family, and personal well-being. In Matthew 6:33, he advises, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Many people struggle to find a healthy work-life balance. A 2019 study by Harvard Business School found that 94% of working professionals reported working more than 50 hours per week, with nearly half working more than 65 hours per week.(ref)

This excessive focus on work can lead to neglect of faith, family, and personal well-being.

5. Engaging in Gossip & Slander

15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus » gossiping friends ss2239596687
Image Credit: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

In the age of social media and 24/7 news cycles, it’s easy to get caught up in gossip, rumors, and slander. However, Jesus preached a message of kindness, forgiveness, and speaking the truth in love.

In Ephesians 4:29, Paul writes, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Gossip and slander remain prevalent in our society. By engaging in gossip and slander, we not only hurt others but also contradict Jesus’ teachings on love and compassion.

6. Seeking Revenge

15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus » toxic friends ss1576875355
Image Credit: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock

In a world filled with conflict and injustice, it’s easy to seek revenge against those who have wronged us. However, Jesus wanted forgiveness, even in the face of persecution and betrayal.

In Matthew 5:38-39, he famously declares, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”

The desire for revenge remains a common human impulse. It is a universal trait, with people across cultures and societies exhibiting similar patterns of vengeful behavior.

7. Ignoring the Needs of the Environment

15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus » water pollution ss556842991
Image Credit: Rich Carey/Shutterstock.

As stewards of God’s creation, Jesus calls us to care for the earth and all its inhabitants. In Genesis 1:28, God commands humans to “fill the earth and subdue it,” but also to “rule over” the animals and plants in a way that honors and sustains them

However, many prioritize short-term economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability.

A report by the United Nations found that human activities have already caused the global average temperature to rise by 33.98 degrees Fahrenheit above pre-industrial levels, with potentially catastrophic consequences for the planet and its ecosystems.(ref)

8. Failing to Practice Humility

15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus » volunteering ss2145134953
Image Credit: Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Jesus advocated for humility, urging his followers to put others before themselves and to avoid pride and arrogance. In Luke 14:11, he declares, “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Our modern culture often celebrates self-promotion, individualism, and personal achievement over humility and service to others. Levels of narcissism and self-centeredness have been steadily increasing among American college students since the 1980s.(ref)

9. Neglecting Personal Spiritual Growth

15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus » man relaxing dp190669738
Photo Credit: OlgaSinenkoBO/DepositPhotos.

In the busyness of modern life, it’s easy to neglect our personal spiritual growth and relationship with God. However, prayer, meditation, and spiritual discipline are important.

Matthew 6:6, states, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Many people struggle to prioritize their spiritual lives amidst the demands of work, family, and social obligations. By neglecting our personal spiritual growth, we not only miss out on the benefits of a deeper relationship with God but also contradict Jesus’ teachings on the importance of spiritual discipline.

10. Engaging in Hypocrisy

15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus » fake friend ss1744998398
Image Credit: Prostock-studio/Shutterstock

Jesus condemned hypocrisy, urging his followers to practice what they preach and to avoid the trappings of self-righteousness.

In Matthew 23:27-28, he famously declares, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.”

Hypocrisy remains a common problem in our modern world, particularly among religious and political leaders. Engaging in hypocrisy damages our own credibility and contradicts authenticity and integrity.

11. Succumbing to Fear & Anxiety

15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus » politics fear s645904165
Image Credit: pathdoc/Shutterstock.

In a world filled with uncertainty and instability, it’s easy to succumb to fear and anxiety. However, in Matthew 6:25-27, Jesus declares, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Anxiety and fear remain prevalent in our modern world. Many Americans feel stressed about money, work, and the future, which jeopardizes our own mental health.

12. Failing to Forgive Others

15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus » woman asking man forgiveness ss1282520875
Image Credit: fizkes/Shutterstock.

Jesus preached forgiveness, to let go of grudges, and to extend grace to those who have wronged them.

In Matthew 6:14-15, he famously declares, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Forgiveness remains a challenge for many people in our modern world. Holding grudges and failing to forgive others can have negative effects on mental and physical health, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression.

13. Pursuing Worldly Success over Spiritual Fulfillment

15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus » appraisers ss2066250419
Image Credit: Andrey_Popov/ShutterStock.

In a culture that often equates success with wealth, status, and achievement, it’s easy to prioritize worldly pursuits over spiritual fulfillment.

In Matthew 16:26, Jesus asks, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”

Many people in our modern world continue to pursue worldly success at the expense of their spiritual well-being. Pursuing worldly success over spiritual fulfillment can make you miss out on the deeper joys of a relationship with God.

14. Neglecting to Show Gratitude

15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus » ungrateful friends ss2297084917
Image Credit: Nicoleta Ionescu/Shutterstock

In a world filled with entitlement and self-centeredness, it’s easy to take our blessings for granted and neglect to show gratitude for what we have. However, in Luke 17:15-16, Jesus commends a leper who returned to thank him for his healing, saying, “Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”

A 2019 study by the University of California, Berkeley found that people who regularly practice gratitude experience higher levels of happiness, optimism, and life satisfaction.(ref)

15. Failing to Love Our Enemies

15 Ways Modern Life Contradicts the Teachings of Jesus » woman shunned by friends ss1225131265
Image Credit: fizkes/Shutterstock

The world we live in now is full of division, conflict, and polarization, and it’s easy to view those who disagree with us as enemies to be opposed rather than fellow human beings to be loved. However, in Matthew 5:43-44, Jesus declares, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Loving our enemies proves difficult for many people in our modern world. Political polarization and animosity between opposing groups have reached record highs in recent years, perpetuating cycles of hatred and division.

While many modern behaviors and attitudes may seem normal or even desirable in our current cultural context, they often stand in contrast to the timeless teachings of Jesus Christ.

These 15 contemporary behaviors represent a significant departure from the values of love, compassion, humility, and faith that Jesus embodied and preached.

Source:

  1. Pew Research Center
Martha A. Lavallie
Martha A. Lavallie
Author & Editor | + posts

Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.