We Christians live in a foreign land (most of us, i assume). As Christians – we listen to a different music, read a different book, go to a different bookstore, speak a different language, if you know what I mean.

It is so easy to forget that we are called to be a light to the world. A salt of the earth. And the only way for that to happen is if we understand the times. The apostle Paul is a good example of someone who knows the culture of the people he lives with.

Acts 17:22  ¶     Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious.
Acts 17:23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.

What can we learn from Paul in this verses

1. Paul did not condemn the pop icons he used it as a leverage to share the good news.

Trying to picket and rally in the streets is one of the most effective way to shun people from church. When people sees us as a group who is always against something in culture instead of them knowing where we stand.

2. Be a student of the culture.

You have to break the culture code and the only way to do is to study the culture. Listen to what this generation is listening to. Read what they are reading, watch what they are watching.

3. Take advantage of teachable moments

Today’s media reveals a spiritual hunger and questions that this generation is asking for. We have the answer and we have to make it known. Help people interpret their culture in light of God’s word.