BROKEN but REDEEMABLE

 

September 5, 2025

Romans 8:19–21

“For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration… in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”


The word "Culture" encompasses the world we create together in all the spheres of living, our art, science, politics, technology, families, neighborhoods, economies, and communities. Culture represents how humankind shapes God’s creation. The shaping that takes place embodies both its splendor and its brokenness. Much like we witness in creation itself.

We witness beauty all around us: music that uplifts the spirit, architecture that inspires awe, medical breakthroughs that save lives, and acts of justice that protect the vulnerable. Yet, we also encounter brokenness: greed in business, injustice in governments, corruption in systems, violence in entertainment, and despair in our communities.

Sometimes it is easy to look at life as a Sacred versus Secular or Culture battle. I know this worldview because I used to hold a "Sacred vs, Secular" outlook. As I have grown, and aged I have learned that we should neither reject culture as hopelessly corrupt, nor should we embrace it uncritically. Instead, let me suggest that we are called to be discerning about culture. Which means we celebrate the things that reflect God’s goodness, however, we are also to push back against what is destructive and harmful,. When we as Jesus followers to this we become kingdom partners and join Christ in the work of renewal.

Paul reminds us in Romans 8 that creation itself is groaning, longing for liberation. The same is true of culture. It bears scars of sin but also seeds of hope. In Christ, nothing is beyond the reach of redemption not even the flawed structures and harmful systems of society.

One example to think about is technology. While it is true that technology can be misused to spread falsehoods or foster addiction, it also has the power to connect isolated individuals, bring education to remote areas, and save lives through medical advancements. The same cultural tools that can cause harm can, when rightly used, serve a greater purpose, including advancing God’s kingdom.


This weekend give some thought to the following:

Where do you see both brokenness and beauty in the culture around you, whether in music, media, work, or community life? How might God be calling you to resist what is harmful and to nurture what is good?

Let's Pray

Jesus,
You entered our broken world and showed us that nothing is beyond Your reach. Help me see culture with Your eyes, grateful for its beauty, honest about its flaws, and hopeful for its renewal. Teach me to discern what to embrace, what to resist, and where to join Your work of redemption. Use my words, work, and witness to reflect Your kingdom in the world around me.
Amen.