We often bring up cultural topics here on #LiveFully. We’ve discussed all sorts of music, from Katy Perry to the Avett Brothers. We’ve brought up movies, from the Hunger Games to the Hobbit. We’ve focussed on athletes, from Gabby Douglas to Tiger Woods. We’ve explored television shows, from the New Normal to, most recently, the Bachelor.
Why do we discuss these things so often? Good question, and there are a few important answers:
1) Culture is interesting
Culture constantly changes. Time and location have massive effects, and because of the internet, culture can change at faster rates than ever before. Frankly, we find the evolution of culture fascinating, and so we write about it.
2) Life with God fills all
This is a central theme of #LiveFully – “the redemption of Jesus transforms every area of personal life and positively impacts every channel of cultural life.” We are not called to merely dedicate our time at church to God, but then give our time on the sports field or with friends or at work to ourselves. Every single aspect of our lives should glorify Him.
For this reason, it is important that we recognize the work of God in culture. We also want to show people that, as corrupt as our culture can be sometimes, it is still possible to glorify Him in mainstream pop culture. The more of you who are artists or musicians or actors that believe you can honor Jesus through your gifts, the better.
3) Truth Filter
Calvin once said, “All truth is God’s truth.” In other words, everything that is true in this life originated with God. Practically speaking, that means we can learn truths about God from very unlikely sources. Marilyn Manson, for instance, is not a typical role model. But when asked what he would say to the kids behind the Columbine High School shootings, this was how he responded: “I wouldn’t say a single word to them. I would listen to what they have to say, and that’s what no one did.”
Those words contain a valuable truth and lesson for us. But at the same time, we don’t want to become Manson disciples. He also says a lot of things that are untrue, as does the rest of the world. Culture can throw unlimited lies at us, but we must listen if we hope to reach them. At the same time, we cannot forget our foundation of truth that comes from the Word of God.
The Bible should work as a filter for everything we hear – be it from friends, television, or music. We discuss culture and Scripture to help people learn and practice this ability, so that they can recognize God’s active voice in the world, but consistently reject lies that pull us away from Him.
4) It creates Gospel sharing opportunities
Effective evangelism often begins when you find common ground with the person you are sharing with. Have you ever started a conversation with, “here’s why everything you believe is wrong” that went well?
Of course not. But perhaps you and a friend love the Bachelor. After last week’s episode, you could easily begin a conversation with this friend about prayer. Or maybe you are on a baseball team. What if you brought up Josh Hamilton’s life transformation with your teammates?
There are countless opportunities to do this in the world. Paul even used the Greek gods to find common ground in Acts 17. Starting with common ground makes sharing about Jesus less scary for us, and helps lower the defensive walls other people build in their own hearts.
At the end of the day, if we look at culture and think nothing more than, “that’s cool,” then we are missing opportunities to be salt and light to a generation that desperately needs God. We hope when you read these posts that they inspire you to bring Christ’s light to the world around you.
#LiveFully.
