The Minority Report

Because we live in a post-Christian culture in big cities (not to say the post-Christian culture is not in smaller cities and towns), it is easy for Christians to become discouraged as they see the culture move further away from Christian values and beliefs. After looking through some statistics, I estimate that about 15% of the Greater Phoenix area have trusted Christ and that is on the high end. We are certainly a minority, yet we believe that we have the one thing that will renew minds, transform hearts, and inspire and equip souls: the Gospel.

Many of us are intimidated and feel inadequate because we are in the minority and some us may even think, "what's the point?" because the tasks of changing culture is just too daunting. Well, here is the good news. It not because we are strong or righteous that our cities will change. It's because God has gone before us and prepared a way for His Word to be received with softened and broken hearts. It's because of God's everlasting promise that He has made that He will redeem His people from their sins. It's because He wants to root out the evil and wickedness that is so pervasive in many segments of our culture.

It not because of us, for we are stubborn people, but it's because of His name and His glory. For me, this takes much of the pressure off my shoulders because I know that I am not ultimately responsible for changing culture, that's God's job. My responsibility is to say "Yes, Lord" when He calls and respond by being obedient even when I have doubts because of my weakness and the perceived strength of the culture. We are to be used as "Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands" as Paul David Tripp's book title suggests, nothing more and nothing less.