Resilient by God’s Means
Like swimming in the ocean, it's easy to lose our bearings and drift off course - often unintentionally. Withstanding cultural tides requires an anchored identity in Christ. Just as Paul encourages the Corinthians, we're challenged to see every aspect of life (including our consumption, community, and what we chase) through the lens of our identification with the paradoxical weakness & strength, foolishness & wisdom, and humility & power of Christ crucified.
As believers, we navigate a sea of ideologies and perspectives that shape our desires and motivations. The music we listen to, the news we consume, and the movies we watch are not just forms of entertainment or information; they are vessels carrying values and narratives that can subtly influence our perception of what is important, often steering us away from Gospel-centered living. If we're not discerning, these forms of consumption become the lens through which we view the world, affecting how we perceive ourselves and others. By examining our consumption habits, our community affiliations, and our pursuits through a Gospel lens, we are encouraged to reflect on how these aspects of our lives align with our faith.
In the face of changing cultural norms and values, our resilience and direction as Christians are maintained by our unwavering identity in Christ. This identity not only informs our choices and interactions but also empowers us to navigate the complexities of life with grace and purpose, ensuring that we do not drift away from the truth of the Gospel. An anchored identity in Christ allows us to learn - as a community and as individuals- to practice the "downward mobility" that exalts Christ in our lives.