The full engagement of our faith assures that its impact will be seen in every sector of our lives.

While this is the expectation of biblical faith, many would think that this kind of faith position would create a host of challenges, compromises and conflicts.

The prevailing thought would be that “faith has its place”.

It should be very personal … but never public, believed but not broadcasted and relegated to the church but never to be fully released.

The truth is that Jesus made it abundantly clear that we are called to live our lives in such a way that we impact and influence everything and everyone.

His desired purpose for us is that we would inspire all men to love and serve God.

The words of Jesus in Matthew 5:13-16 make this abundantly clear,
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

This is the narrative that we need to embrace and engage in as it is the foundational description of how we then should live.

Shaping Culture … Knowing That It Is Our Mandate & Mission

In her article, “Are You A Culture Shaper”, Becca McBride makes a strong case for us to consider. As an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Calvin College, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she has a very unique understanding of the purpose and the potential of shaping culture.

“As leaders, we shape culture so we can move beyond conveying information to influencing the way our group sees the world. Anyone can become a substantive expert, and learn the methods of sharing that substantive expertise. But to lead in a way that captures the heart of your group members and subtly shapes the way they see the world to have a lasting impact on their development is a skill not easily learned.”

Becca is right in stating her conclusion that this is, “not a skill easily learned”.

Shaping Culture … Knowing That It Is Our Mandate & Mission

What I have come to know is that shaping culture is impacted by the choices we choose to make …

▪ advocacy, over being adversarial
▪ compassion, over confrontation
▪ inspiration, over intimidation
▪ integrity, over impression
▪ building others up, over bringing them down

Shaping Culture … Knowing That It Is Our Mandate & Mission

The truth is that shaping culture is a burden that we carry; it is our business to see that the will and work of God are done on earth as it is in heaven and we acknowledge that this will be a daily battle … a task that we do want to take on.

I know it matters … so much!

I am in … and you?

-Terry-