Culture is simply the way people live. This includes how they live and interact with the environment, which may be political, social, economic, and more. It also encompasses the shared beliefs, values, customs, traditions, language, arts, and social behaviours of a particular group of people or society. In the modern world, culture manifests in various forms, including trends, music, fashion, film, television, and social media; rapid advancements in technology; ideologies, lifestyles, ethics, and values that shape workplaces; civic engagements; and activism. 

As Christians living in this world, we are part and parcel of these cultures. And though we are not conformed to some of these cultures and their manifestations, it is our duty and mandate, as given to us by our Lord and King Jesus, to ensure that our stories as Christians influence every culture and trend. 

Matthew 28:19–20 (NIV):

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Invading Our Culture With the Stories of Jesus

For Christians, invading culture with the story of Jesus involves integrating biblical principles and values into various aspects of society to positively influence and transform it.

We invade the culture of the world with our stories of Jesus by embodying his teachings and sharing the transformative power of his love with humility, authenticity, and relevance. 

How can we accomplish that, you may ask?

• Engagement with Culture

No one changes things while standing on the sidelines. We can only invade our culture by actively engaging with the culture around us, seeking to understand its values, concerns, and aspirations. By participating in conversations and addressing relevant issues from a Christian perspective, we demonstrate the relevance of Jesus’ message to contemporary life. 

But here is the catch: while seeking to understand these cultures and conversations, we must do so with humility and in line with biblical principles and the Word of God in our hearts, lest we stray and become what we seek to change.

Romans 12:2 (NIV):

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

• Live out the Gospel

Nothing preaches Jesus to people more than the way we live. To invade our culture, we must embody Jesus’ teachings daily. What does this mean? It involves demonstrating love, compassion, integrity, and humility, reflecting God’s character. Matthew 5:16 urges Christians to shine their light through good deeds, glorifying God. By serving others selflessly and living with unwavering integrity, believers bring positive change to the world, drawing others to God’s love and advancing his kingdom.

• Authentic Witnessing

Telling personal stories about our Jesus and how He made a difference in our lives is a powerful way to invade our culture. Authenticity builds credibility and trust, allowing others to see the genuine impact of faith in our lives.

• Use Technology

In today’s world, leveraging technology is an effective way of communicating and invading our culture as Christians. We use creative and innovative methods, digital platforms, and social media to share testimonies, biblical insights, and resources that engage with contemporary culture and address relevant issues (1 Peter 3:15).

• Engaging the Art

One effective way to communicate the story of Jesus in ways that resonate with diverse audiences is through the arts. 

Colossians 3:16 (NIV) says, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

Christian artists can express the message of Jesus through various art forms such as music, painting, literature, and film, providing avenues for cultural engagement and reflection. Doing this will not only capture people’s imaginations and evoke curiosity about Jesus, but also keep Him in their minds with the arts they love.

• Building Authentic Relationships

We prioritise building genuine relationships with others based on mutual respect, empathy, and compassion. By listening attentively, empathising with people’s struggles, and offering support and encouragement, we create opportunities to share the hope and healing found in Jesus.

• Addressing Social Justice Issues

Micah 6:8 (NIV) states, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

This is the culture of the world to be unjust and oppress people, but we can change this culture as Christians. How? By advocating for justice, equality, and the dignity of all people, we follow Jesus’ example of standing with the marginalised and oppressed. By addressing systemic injustices and working towards societal transformation, we bear witness to the transformative power of Jesus’ love to bring about lasting change.

• Support Christian Media

We live in a world that practices cancel culture. It is easy to cancel the truth because the world hates the truth. This can be done by making media policies that are unfavourable to spreading the message of our Lord and King, Jesus. However, when we invest in and promote Christian media outlets that produce quality content reflecting biblical values and providing alternatives to mainstream culture (Philippians 4:8), we find a way around these policies and systems to bring Jesus to the world.

By embodying these principles and approaches, we can effectively invade the culture of the world with their stories of Jesus, making his love and redemption known to all.

Benefits of Invading Our Culture with Our Stories of Jesus

Matthew 5:16 (NIV) says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Invading our culture with our stories of Jesus brings us so many benefits and has an impact on society. We do not only spread Jesus’ teachings of love, justice, and compassion but positively impact our culture, fostering spiritual renewal and societal change. 

In transforming our culture with our stories of Jesus, we find fulfillment in our purpose as ambassadors of Christ, uniting in the community to share his message of hope. Ultimately, our efforts are rewarded not only with temporal blessings but also with the promise of eternal rewards in heaven as we participate in God’s redemptive work on earth, as Revelation 22:12 (NIV) assures, “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give it to each person according to what they have done.”