Jesus said: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10.16)

When the Lord calls us to himself he also sends us out. It is a package deal. No exceptions.  We are expected to engage our culture. 

It is part of  our purpose.  God had told our forefather Abraham: “I will bless you and make you a blessing. I will bless all nations through you and your descendants.”  The apostle Paul tells us that if we are in Christ then we are heirs of Abraham.  (Galatians 3.29)   God intends to bless the world, and call a people to himself, through us.  And to do that we must go.  We go out into a world filled with ravenous wolves, and engage that world – wolves and otherwise. 

But how shall we go? 

In an insightful post titled Six Rules of Cultural Engagement Joe Thorn offers some helpful counsel.

First Thorn clarifies the parameters of biblical cultural engagement:

• Reject what is evil
• Receive what is good
• Redeem what is broken/lost

Then Thorn provides a six point practical prescription:

1. Be Present
2. Practive Discernment
3. Develop Your Theology
4. Find Courage
5. Speak Clearly
6. Love

These are good rules.  They are: Proactive, Shrewd, Sensitive, and Wise.  By embracing and employing them we will be well armed for engagement with whoever we encounter around the neighborhood – whether finding friend or foe. 

To read Thorn’s entire post click: Rules