"You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world." — Matthew 5:13–14

Why Christians Withdraw from Culture

We've all heard the saying, "Politics is dirty," or "Acting is ashawo work."

It's easy for us as Christians to feel overwhelmed—or even repulsed—by certain spheres of society. We might retreat to our churches and our homes, creating safe little bubbles.

But what if that retreat is actually a strategic withdrawal that's costing us dearly?

The Seven Hills of Influence

In today's world, influence is wielded on seven major cultural hills:

1. Family

2. Religion

3. Education

4. Government

5. Arts & Entertainment

6. Media

7. Business
   
   

These aren't just random categories; they are the foundational pillars that shape our culture, our values, and the very fabric of society. Whoever holds sway in these "hills" has the power to mold the beliefs and behaviors of a nation.

Think about it: what you watch on TV influences your kids, what's taught in schools shapes the next generation, and the laws passed in government dictate how we live.

I remember a time when I felt completely disillusioned with the state of things—particularly in the media. It seemed like every news channel was pushing a certain agenda, and the entertainment industry was glorifying values completely contrary to what I believed. It was tempting to just switch it all off and bury my head in the sand.

But then I realized: if we, as believers, opt out, who will be the salt and light in those spaces?

The truth is, God calls us to be in the world, not of it (John 17:15–16). He calls us to be salt—preserving what is good and right—and light, illuminating the darkness (Matthew 5:13–16).

How can we fulfill that mandate if we're absent from the very places where influence is wielded?

Biblical Examples of Strategic Engagement

Image credit: knowmercy.org

Consider the story of Esther. She was placed in a position of immense influence, not by chance, but by divine orchestration. When faced with a decree that threatened her entire people, she had a choice: remain silent in the comfort of the palace or risk everything to speak truth to power. Her courageous stand changed the course of history. We, too, have opportunities—big or small—to stand for God's values in our own "palaces": our workplaces, our communities, and our online platforms.

It's not about forceful dominance; it's about influence through integrity and truth. It's about living out our Christian values so consistently that people take notice.

It's about being the aroma of Christ in every situation (2 Corinthians 2:15).

Think about the impact of Christian educators who instill a biblical worldview in their students, or Christian artists who create content that inspires hope and reflects God's beauty, or Christian business leaders who operate with integrity and generosity. These individuals aren't just pursuing a career—they are strategically engaging on their "hill," bringing a Kingdom perspective to their sphere of influence.

For too long, I believe we've ceded ground in these crucial areas. We've allowed narratives that contradict God's truth to take root and flourish because we haven't actively engaged. But the mandate is clear: we are to go into all the world (Matthew 28:19).

That "world" includes the marketplace, the classroom, the media studio, and the halls of government.

Just as Caleb boldly asked for his mountain—the territory God had promised him (Joshua 14:12)—we too need to claim our respective cultural "mountains." Whether your passion lies in family counseling, creating faith-based media, running an ethical business, or even stepping into the often-challenging world of politics—your presence matters.

God is looking for men and women who will say, "Here I am. Send me." (Isaiah 6:8)

It won't always be easy. There will be opposition. There will be challenges.

But remember Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Image credit:faiththeevidence.com

They stood firm in a pagan government, refusing to compromise their faith, and God honored their commitment.

So, What's Your Hill?

Where is God calling you to step out and be a voice, a light, a source of godly influence? It's time for Christians to rise up—not in judgment, but in love and truth—and actively engage in the Seven Hills of Influence. The future of our families, our communities, and our nations may very well depend on it.

Let's not stand on the sidelines any longer. Let's claim our mountains for the Kingdom.

Ready to move from the sidelines to actively shaping culture for the kingdom?

👉 Click here to watch the replay of our Passion to Impact Workshop and discover how you can identify your place on the Seven Hills—and begin to make a difference:

🔗 https://miriamgaladimabenson.com/passion-to-impact-workshop