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As Christians, we were not just created to glorify and enjoy God, but to be His emissaries to the world, redeeming culture. The Lord has commanded His people to be His hands and feet. We are to be salt and light, beacons proclaiming His Gospel. It seems obvious how missionaries in a foreign land may accomplish such tasks. It is clear how Christians living in persecution could apply such principles. But how are we, as Americans living in the shifting waters of the American dream, to do this? Is it possible? Can it be done without compromise or adaptation? Is our God big enough to use us in small, everyday ways to redeem a culture for His glory and our good?

Yes. We believe it is, it can, and He will.

Redeeming

According to Google, the definition of the word ‘redeem’ is to “compensate for the faults or bad aspects of (something)” or to “gain or regain possession of (something).” Ultimately, redemption can only be accomplished through the work of Jesus; He came to make right what was broken (Col. 1:19-20). But the Lord has chosen to use ordinary people to bring His message of hope and love to a world in need of Him (Matt. 28:19-20). For believers, redemption is an on-going process. We ourselves are being redeemed, but Christians are also envoys sent to assist in redeeming the culture around us.

Culture

Culture is a reflection of our humanity. Being made in the image of God, we are His image-bearers, able to mimic Him in many ways. Our art, music, literature, and movies reflect Him, even when we don’t intend them to. It goes further, though; our science, technology, mathematics, and grammar follow His laws and proclaim His truth. In fact, even our governmental systems, judicial processes, and moral character expectations reflect His fingerprints. He has declared dominion over it all. And all of it speaks back His truth and authority.

Christians Engaging

One of the best ways that everyday Christians can impact their culture in redeeming ways is for them to engage. Lean into the Lord as you step out in faith and proclaim His dominion. Personally, we do not believe that the Lord meant for His people to hide away from the non-Christian world. We do not believe that He intended us to seclude ourselves from non-believers. Rather, we believe that we are to follow in His steps. We are to go into the world. God’s people are to remain set apart, but no longer in physical presence, rather in word and deed. We are to be in the world, but not of it, just as He was (Rom. 12:2).

Jesus’ Example

Jesus had a radical approach that many in His day did not find appropriate. He ate with tax collectors (Mark 2:13-17), He defended the adulterous (John 8:1-11), and He called the unclean ‘daughter’ (Matt. 9:20-22). Jesus sank into the muck and filth of the people around Him and lifted them into glory – wiping away their stains as He did. We cannot make people clean, but we can lead them to the living water that can. In order to do so, however, we’re going to need to get close enough to show them the way.

Looking to Jesus, the distinction is clear: We are to love sinners, but not engage in sin. That is our path (James 1:27). And so, with much prayer and faith, we walk it.

We are so excited to pursue actively engaging the world with you! May the Lord see fit to use our meager efforts for His great redemptive purposes!