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Are you socially relevant?

Recently I have been ridiculed by co-workers for my lack of “pop-culture” knowledge. You might find it odd as well that I do not know much about classic movies or music of past generations. My co-workers made a few references to some movies, like the Godfather series and Full Metal Jacket (not sure if that’s a classic), and they were shocked when they found out that I had not seen these movies. These co-workers then went down an endless list of movies only to discover that I had not yet had the opportunity to view these movies. Being 25 (born in 1985), there was more of an emphasis on video games, sports, and pogs (remember those?) when I was growing up than watching TV shows and movies. If you want to talk about Mario Brothers, the Legend of Zelda, Goldeneye, or the Spurs 1999 championship - then I’m game – but try to talk to me about the Graduate, Gone with the Wind, or a movie called Chinatown (?), and I am completely lost.

Have I lost my audience yet?

Obviously, pop-culture and movie-watching experiences are not the most important things in our lives, but it does direct a lot of our social conversations throughout the day.  In those same conversations we find opportunities to share and display our faith and love, in other words we find relevancy with our friends, neighbors, and co-workers through our very own secular knowledge and have the opportunity to plant seeds along the way.

That is not to say that I don’t attempt to be relevant, but it is just not the area of knowledge that I have when it boils down to where I am effective. That is where you come in – as a believer who has certain knowledge of a particular focus in our world, you are able to have great conversations with those who are seeking answers. When was the last time someone came to you and asked you to tell them about Jesus? Quite a while ago I am guessing. Now, when was the last time someone asked you who won the Super Bowl last year? Or asked your opinion on the latest America’s Got Singing Idols? (Obviously not my area either) – Now we’re talking, or at least you’re talking! We start to see where we can try to be relevant enough to start getting to know people. Once they start to know you then the conversations will start leading to life’s more difficult and most important questions about faith and where they might fit into a particular Savior’s plan for salvation.

As for me, I will try my best to become a bit more relevant around my work place. For now though, I am off to play video games with my friends – to plant seeds of course J

In Christ,

Jon


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