When Culture Creeps In: Return to the Joy of your Salvation...

You were never meant to be shaped by the world. You were made to walk in freedom with Christ

Everywhere I look, Reader—on social media, in books, in coaching spaces—I hear powerful messages about finding freedom:

“Rewire your brain.”

“Celebrate small wins.”

“Confidence comes through clarity and cash flow.”

Honestly? Some of these messages have helped me... to some extent. I’ve learned from neuroscience. I’ve gained practical tools in financial stewardship. I’ve grown in self-awareness. And I’m thankful for that.

But here’s where I’ve had to pause, Reader:

Is this wisdom pointing me back to God, or subtly pulling me away from Him?

Because not everything that sounds freeing actually is.

There’s no such thing as “financial freedom” if it becomes our god.

There’s no self-actualization that replaces surrender to the Savior.

There’s no mental reprogramming that can heal a heart apart from Christ.

Psalm 127:1 reminds us:

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”

And Philippians 2:12–13 calls us to:

“Work out your salvation with fear and trembling… for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.”

We may not realize it, but culture has a way of creeping in quietly—even into our theology, our identity, and our dreams.

Sometimes, we fall in love with what keeps us stuck: comfort, control, success, or “clarity” that isn’t anchored in Christ.

In this week’s podcast episode, I spoke with Dr. John West, author of "Stockholm Syndrome Christianity", about how the modern church—and many of us personally—have been shaped more by the culture that holds us captive than the Christ who sets us free.

It’s a powerful, convicting conversation. One I hope you’ll take to heart.

Listen here → How Culture Creeps In and Steals Your Confidence in Christ—And How to Get It Back | with Dr. John West

A question to sit with:

What’s your big dream, Reader?

That one thing you’d love to do, experience, or become?

Now—ask yourself:

If that dream never came to pass… would you still believe God is good?

Let it sink in.

Feel what comes up.

Because that is where God wants to meet you, Reader.

If something in your heart needs that dream to happen in order for God to be trustworthy… then maybe it’s time to come back to the joy of your salvation. (Psalm 51:12)

To lay your dream at the foot of the cross.

To let go of anything that’s taken God’s rightful place.

You are a child of God, Reader. You are free. You can feel anything and still be safe in His love.

But freedom isn’t found in getting everything you want.

It’s found in being with the One who gave everything for you.

So as you wait—don’t waste the waiting.

Ask God what He’s showing you in the process.

Let the Word—not the world—reshape your heart.

With love and care in Christ,

Alexandra ✗⚬ﾒ𝟶

𝒫.𝒮. I’d love to hear from you:

What’s your biggest dream?