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The Waters We Swim In
CJ Ward
Gravity
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Gravity – Week 1: The Waters We Swim In
In a message foundational to the new series “Gravity,” Pastor CJ Ward challenges the church to open their eyes to the often invisible but ever-present forces shaping their thoughts and decisions. Titled “The Waters We Swim In,” this teaching explores how culture—like gravity—quietly tugs at the soul, influencing not only behavior but also belief.
Referencing John 6:60–69, CJ calls the congregation to courageously examine whether they are being shaped by the teachings of Jesus or by the gravitational pull of modern culture. It’s not just about resisting bad ideas—it’s about recognizing that we’re immersed in a system designed to conform us. These are the waters we swim in.
Scripture Reading: John 6:60–69
"On hearing it, many of his disciples said, 'This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?' Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, 'Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.' For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him... From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him."
This moment in scripture shows how even devoted disciples turned away when Jesus’ teachings conflicted with their internal expectations. Jesus didn’t offer easy answers—He offered truth. And that truth confronted their worldview. The question posed to them—and to us—is: will we allow our minds to be changed by Jesus, or will we walk away?
The Cultural Current: Confirmation Bias
CJ begins by addressing confirmation bias, the human tendency to interpret information in a way that confirms preexisting beliefs. This isn’t merely a social media problem; it’s a deeply embedded psychological pattern that impacts how we read Scripture, engage with others, and perceive truth.
He humorously compares the divide between dog lovers and cat lovers, revealing how even preferences and prejudices reinforce what we already want to believe. While lighthearted, this introduction makes a powerful point: we don’t see things as they are—we see them as we are.
Expressive Individualism: Redefining Identity
CJ dives into expressive individualism, a term coined by sociologists to describe a modern worldview where identity is determined internally rather than by external truth or community. Historically, identity was forged through family, geography, and culture. But now, we’re told to “look within” to discover who we are and then surround ourselves with people who affirm that identity.
Instead of conforming ourselves to truth, we conform truth to ourselves. That is one of the most dangerous waters we swim in.
“Instead of changing how I feel to match my community, I just change my community to match how I feel.”
We Don’t Like Being Challenged
CJ addresses both generational blame and personal resistance, noting that everyone—regardless of age—struggles to hear perspectives that challenge their own. With access to limitless content, it has become easier than ever to avoid discomfort and hard teachings.
But as CJ warns, if we can always find someone who agrees with us, we’ll never need to change. We’ll never be confronted, stretched, or sanctified. In short, we won’t grow.
A Culture of Buffet Christianity
With conviction and compassion, CJ exposes how modern Christianity has adopted a “buffet” approach to faith. We pick and choose what we like about Jesus—love, grace, community—but avoid submission, sacrifice, or truth that disrupts our comfort.
“You don’t have to get your opinions right to follow Jesus. But you do have to submit them to Him eventually.”
This truth is illustrated through a visual metaphor where volunteers hold boxes labeled as “opinions.” As they walk toward Jesus, they realize some opinions must be released to get closer to Him.
Challenged by Jesus
Just as many disciples in John 6:66 walked away from Jesus because His teaching was too difficult, we too are tempted to walk away when Scripture contradicts us.
“Jesus is our friend. He’s our brother. But He is also our King.”
CJ makes it clear that discipleship means surrender. We don’t get to “sort through” Jesus’ teachings like they’re suggestions. Following Jesus means we are formed by Him, not by culture. The gravitational pull of the world is real—and we must fight against it.
Letting Go to Go Deeper
In one of the sermon’s most powerful analogies, CJ emphasizes that we don’t drag people toward our opinions; we draw people toward Jesus. Faithful discipleship is not about uniformity of thought but about uniformity of direction. Are we moving toward Jesus?
“The goal is not to make someone agree with me. The goal is to help them get closer to Jesus.”
This conviction is critical in a divided world. We don’t win people over by shouting louder—we win them over by living lives surrendered to Christ.
A Call to Submission
CJ closes with the challenge that defines the whole message: will you let Jesus change your mind about anything He desires?
Whether it’s a political stance, a lifestyle choice, or a belief about your own identity, Jesus is asking to be King of it all.
Scripture References Used
John 6:60–69 — The disciples’ reaction to hard teachings.
1 Corinthians 13:13 — Faith, hope, and love.
Matthew 16:24 — Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus.
Romans 12:2 — Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Final Thought
“The Waters We Swim In” are subtle, pervasive, and persistent. Culture is not passive—it is forming us. The question is: are we being shaped more by culture or by Christ? The answer lies in whether or not we’re willing to let Jesus have the final word—even when it costs us our opinions.
If you’re ready to dig deeper into this idea, we invite you to explore the rest of the Gravity series and discover what anchors you may need to let go of in order to rise into the life Jesus is calling you to live.
Did you like Gravity – Week 1 – The Waters We Swim In? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.
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