How many times have you listened to a Christian who responds to someone, and you start scratching your head? As you listen to them, they either skirt around the real issue, misinterpret Scripture all together, or they do not even mention Jesus or the Bible. We misrepresent Jesus when we respond to the culture from a place of ignorance or our feelings. Therefore, in order for us to represent Christ well we must know the Word.

     So, let’s use Kirk Franklin as our example. Recently, he was interviewed by Shannon Sharpe on his podcast, “Club Shay Shay”. Shannon asked Kirk about his perspective on dating with the intention of getting married. Kirk Franklin expressed his belief that marriage should not define a person’s entire existence. He further pointed out the statistical fact that there are more women than men is an indication that most women will never get married. Kirk emphasized that when we make individuals feel that their purpose and existence solely revolve around being married, we disappoint them. He asserted that being single does not imply that God cannot utilize them or that their life lacks purpose. This statement holds true. However, it is very evident that Kirk Franklin is responding from his feelings, his experiences, and the culture. To address this issue, Kirk should have told Shannon, look, I know how society views marriage and dating. I don’t have all of the answers, but when I look at God and His Word, He created marriage: “This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” (Genesis 2:24) Kirk should have told Shannon that marriage is a picture of Christ and the Church. He should have additionally expressed that an individual’s worth does not lie in marriage, connections, social standing, or wealth. Our true value stems from us knowing Jesus and our identity in Him. God’s love for us predates the creation of the world as Ephesians 1:4 tells us.

     Towards the conclusion of the podcast, Shannon asks Kirk to pray. Kirk expresses gratitude towards God. He discusses how they both know individuals who possess greater intelligence than them, and individuals who should rightfully occupy their current positions. Kirk states that despite this, the Lord still has plans for them. Furthermore, he emphasizes that anyone watching the podcast will be reminded that regardless of their religious affiliation or belief in God, God never ceases to believe in them. Kirk proceeds to pray for God to meet them wherever they are.

     I would like to give Kirk some grace, but he is not a new babe in Christ. People need the Word. He should have been like Peter and John when they told the lame man in Acts 3:6, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Kirk Franklin should have given them the Gospel of Jesus Christ.      

      Then he specifically prays for Shannon that God will continue to open doors for him and to be a billboard of God’s goodness. Again, Shannon is not professing to be a Christian. Give him the Gospel of Jesus. The way in which both you and I respond to the culture holds significance; it matters. We represent Christ.

     So how do we respond to the culture?

1. Know God and His Word (see Psalm 119:105)
2. Study and meditate on God’s Word. (see 2 Timothy 2:15 and Psalm 1:2)
3. Be guided by the Holy Spirit. (see Romans 8:14)

     As I said in the beginning, in order for us to represent Christ well we must KNOW the Word!