Culture making is a sacred reflection of the God-in-us. Culture making is our response to God’s call to humanity to cultivate the world we’ve been given.
Our efforts in policy, technology, the arts, religion, medicine, and athletics are (theoretically) focused on creating an environment, which facilitates the vibrant physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth of its inhabitants. Culture is the manifestation of these efforts. It is a compilation of our customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements. Culture is what we are making, in our day-to-day interactions and through the work of our hands.
Our prayers.
Our conversations at the dinner table.
Our actions in the public square.
Our kneading of dough.
Our correspondence.
Our tending of the garden.
Our dance moves.
Our worship.
Our poetry.
Our brushstrokes on canvas.
Our architecture.
Our bedside watches through the night.
Our sermons.
Our music.
Our scientific studies.
Our measuring and cutting.
Our response to our enemies.
All of these and more, when surrendered to God the Creator, play a role in cultivating an environment in which oneness and unity can flourish.
God is making all things new, and he has invited us to be his hands and feet in the world.
God invites us to be Kingdom-Come people. On earth, as it is in heaven. Tilling the ground. Cultivating the places he leads us so that oneness and unity can thrive. Planting new paradigms, right in the middle of the way we’ve always done things.
PRAYER: LORD, thank you for the work of my hands. I commit my work to You, in this day and all the days to come. Let my work bring you glory, and let it cultivate an environment in which oneness and unity can flourish. Amen.
RESOURCES FOR CULTURE-MAKERS: Images of Atlanta-based artist, Kashmir Thompson, by photographer, Matt Addington for Death to the Stock Photo (a photo & inspiration haven for creatives crushing their path) and Big Cartel (a website for artists running a business). This reflection was originally published at Life for Leaders, a bible-based, daily devotional designed especially for leaders. Subscribe today and receive free, daily updates in your email inbox.
Deidra, I love this article and learning about your grandfather. I live in West Virginia and have been doing my own research into my family’s agricultural stories, just recently developing a close relationship with my great aunt and uncle whom have farmed their entire lives.
To your reflection question, I work with international students and am daily reminded of culture and traditions. My work has been finding boundaries (appropriate bc of my job) and more importantly connections. As some students have been here longer and known me better they know more about my life outside the office. They know that I don’t share their religious preference but still feel welcome in my office, which is my goal. I pray they see Jesus in my eyes as we share in rich conversations.
As always, love what you share.
Thanks so much for sharing this, Julie.