In the book Un-Christian, 78% of people perceive Christians as sheltered or out-of-touch—viewing them as boring, unintelligent, and old-fashioned. This perception highlights a significant challenge: Christianity appears disconnected from the real-world choices, challenges, and lifestyles that many face. Yet, in John 17, Jesus prays for His followers to be in the world, but not of it, calling for unity, protection, and holiness.
Does the Christianity we practice look like a homeschool family isolated from society, or are we engaging with the world around us? 1 Peter 1:15 calls us to be holy in all we do, while Matthew 5:13-16 reminds us to be the salt and light of the earth, shining our good deeds for all to see. Just as Paul understood and engaged with the culture of Athens to speak truth, we too must be firmly planted in our world, speaking truth without condemnation. Are we willing to follow Christ's example, becoming flesh and blood and moving into the neighborhood?
