Kong Hee: Your Life's Purposeنموونە

The Cultural Mandate

One of the saddest beliefs that many Christians hold is the belief that they are not meant to interact with culture. They believe that in order to obey God, a Christian must withdraw from this world and live like a “cultural hermit.” However, this is a false belief that stands in contrast to what Scripture teaches.

Genesis 1:28 is often referred to as the “cultural mandate” because in this verse, God gives mankind its first job description. Just after God created the universe and breathed life into Adam and Eve, He said, “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” What is God commanding in this verse? He is basically saying, “Engage the world!”

God created this world and He created you with special talents, interests and desires so that you might be obedient to live this life for the glory of the God who created everything. Jesus affirms the cultural mandate in Matthew 5:16 when He says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Use everything that God has given you to engage culture and bring glory to Him. If you are artistic, then create art for the glory of God. If you are a businessman, then do business for the glory of God. In all things strive to be a relevant, creative and authentic person who boldly lives for the glory of God!

Prayer for the day:

Today, thank God for giving you the gift of life. Ask Him to help you live every area of life for His glory, and pray that as you engage your culture, the world will see the gospel being lived out through you.