Bono, lead singer for the rock group U2 and an outspoken and somewhat controversial Christian philanthropist, once went on a tour of evangelical institutions to enlist Christian support for the AIDS crisis in Africa. Along the way, he said something to the effect that our mission in the world is not to do our own thing and ask God to bless it, but to find out what God is already doing in the world and get where he is. Whatever you might think of Bono, he?s right about this.
Rick Warren put it this way in The Purpose Driven® Life, ?God is at work in the world, and he wants you to join him? (page 281). Same thing.
We need to get used to the idea that wherever we go, God is already there. I used to arrogantly think that I actually brought God places. As if he couldn?t get anywhere without me. It?s a wonder I wasn?t struck by lightning! Don?t get me wrong; God definitely uses us when we show up for service, but our attitude needs to be: ?What is God up to here?? not ?Thank God I?m here!?
So what is he up to? In a very general way, I see four things God is doing in American culture.
First, he is creating in people a hunger for spiritual answers to life?s more difficult questions. You could see this when we were first labeled the postmodern age. What that meant was that the modern age, where we placed our hope in education, science, and technology as capable of solving every human problem, is over. Now, in the postmodern age, people are seeking other answers to life beyond what they can control. That?s why you see the spiritual and the mystical as dominating themes in film and television. Paul said to the pagans in Athens, ?Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious.? (Acts 17:22 NLT) We could say the same thing to our culture today, only we might use the word ?spiritual? instead of ?religious.? Either way, it?s a positive place to begin.
Second, there appears to be a new interest in Jesus. Mel Gibson?s The Passion played a big role in this. People who might be closed to Christians or Christianity may yet be interested in looking into Jesus.
Third, fear. People are afraid. Since 9/11, no one feels safe anymore. And when people are afraid, they are much more open to God than when they are complacent and comfortable.
And finally, people are looking for meaning and purpose in life. How else can you explain the phenomenal success of The Purpose Driven Life that took everyone by surprise?
I mention these things because it?s important to realize when you?re out in the world that the conversation that ends with the Gospel has already begun. God is already at work in the world. It is time to go where he is and join the conversation.
