How Light and Love Make a Difference
Let’s face it: it’s hard to keep up with everything going on in the world today. Every time I check the news or scroll through my phone, there are stories about politics, celebrities, the royal family, court cases, people protesting, and big issues like immigration or trade. Sometimes, we even hear about scary things like shootings or investigations. It can get overwhelming.
America is a big mix of people from all sorts of backgrounds. Our culture started with European roots but now includes traditions from African, Native American, Asian, Polynesian, and Latin American communities. Basically, culture is just the way people do things—their beliefs, habits, and what they value. Even companies have their own cultures based on what’s important to them.
So what does all this mean for Christians? Should we just give up and go with the flow, or change what we believe to fit in? There are a lot of fast and sometimes confusing changes in the world, and it can feel like faith is out of style.
But the Bible gives us some advice. It says, don’t just copy what everyone else is doing. Instead, let God work in us and help us think in new ways. That’s how we learn what God wants for us and live the kind of life that really matters. (Check out Romans 12:2 for more on this.)
It also says that if we stay true to God, not everyone will understand or accept us. The world has its own ideas about what’s important—things like wanting more stuff, showing off, or following our every desire. But the Bible says that’s not what God wants for us. In fact, loving those things can pull us away from Him. Real strength comes from setting our hearts on God and not getting distracted by everything else. What God promises us is way better than what the world offers.
And here’s something to remember: God isn’t just interested in what we do at church. He cares about every part of our lives—where we live, work, and hang out. As Christians, we’re called to make a difference in the world around us, not just let the world shape us.
Blessings,
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 