(Excerpt from “You Can’t Talk About That,” free e-book by Shane Pruitt & GenSend)
Typically, there are four main ways we can approach cultural issues, but only one of these methods is a proper biblical response.
1. Withdraw
The first approach is to withdraw from it. This approach can take on multiple forms, but its strategy is basically the same: Don’t engage in the conversation. Don’t try to reach people ensnared in the trap of believing the world’s lies. Avoid the conflict—either by proverbially ducking your head in the sand and pretending nothing is going on around you as you live in the world, or by totally removing yourself and your family, disengaging with the world through a separatist mentality: “My loved ones and I are intentionally staying in our little bubble while the world burns down around us.” Unfortunately, more and more Christians are actively pursuing this approach.
2. Complain
The second approach is to complain about it. This approach takes place as Christians sit comfortably on padded church pews, going to potluck dinners and angrily wagging their fingers at the culture, while, at the same time, not actively doing anything to influence people toward the only One who can rescue and transform them—Jesus Christ. We’re too busy yelling at lost people for being lost and criticizing unbelievers for behaving like unbelievers.
3. Conform
Another approach is to conform to it. This approach occurs when Christians, churches, and ministries compromise their values in a vain attempt to be more relevant or acceptable to the world. Instead of standing boldly on the truths of Scripture, they start accepting and affirming the world’s view on topics like sexuality, gender, and biblical authority. However, when the church compromises its biblical convictions to “become more relevant,” we stop being relevant. Unfortunately, some youth and college ministries have intentionally compromised their views on cultural issues, believing that doing so will be a more loving approach for reaching the next generation. Ironically, it does the opposite; this approach has never been effective. It’s not loving; it’s destructive. If you want to be more relevant in your pursuit of reaching the next generation, then stick to the living Word of God, the truths of which will always remain relevant.
4. Transform
Finally, transform it. This approach occurs when Christians, churches, and ministries don’t withdraw from the world but intentionally engage the world with biblical truth. Jesus prayed for His disciples: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” (John 17:16–18).
Followers of Jesus aren’t just complaining about the world; they are going to the ends of the earth to make disciples. They’re doing precisely what Jesus commissioned His followers to do in the Great Commission. The church isn’t striving to conform to the world’s way of thinking, but rather transforming the world to have the mind of Christ. As Paul wrote, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2).
How to Transform the Next Generation
When it comes to thinking with a proper worldview and leading the next generation to do the same, this is what’s commanded to us as believers: Don’t conform but transform. In the original Greek, the word conform means to form or mold one’s behavior in accordance with a particular pattern or set of standards. When Paul stated, “Do not be conformed to this age,” he literally meant not to let the current worldview form and mold your thoughts and behaviors. Instead, the apostle encouraged them to “be transformed.” The Greek word for transform is metamorphoo, from which we get our word metamorphosis. It means total and radical change! The Holy Spirit working in us and the Holy Bible guiding us will transform our minds to think differently than the world does.
It’s time for Christians to think about topics like sex, gender, and mental health with a renewed mind and to figure out how to disciple the next generation to have a biblical worldview toward these cultural topics.
The first step is talking about it. In the sections that follow, we will answer two questions on the topics of sex, gender, and mental health. 1. What does the Bible say? 2. How do we help the next generation live out these truths? When young people start valuing what their Bible says, they will begin to see life through the lens of God’s truth rather than culture’s lies. As they follow Jesus, their values, priorities, and worldview will start to shift in powerful, lasting ways. Real transformation happens when Scripture moves from information in their heads to conviction in their hearts.
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Free eBook: You Can’t Talk About That – GenSend
Shane Pruitt is the National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board. You can follow him on Instagram @shane_pruitt78.
