I was recently scrolling through travel excursions for an upcoming trip to Pensacola, Florida, expecting to find sunset cruises or beach tours. Instead, I found something that stopped me dead in my tracks.

There was an advertisement for a local Methodist church hosting a “candlelight honoring” of Bad Bunny—the Puerto Rican rapper known for music that is, to put it lightly, extremely explicit and secular.

I had to double-check the listing. I thought, “Surely, this is just an independent group renting the space?” But as I looked deeper, I found that this trend of “cultural enlightenment” via secular pop icons is being pushed within certain denominational circles to “reach the community.”

My “discernment alarms” didn’t just go off; they screamed. It immediately brought me to the book of Jude and the fundamental call of the believer: We are called to be the salt and light of the earth, not to blend into the flavor of the world, -Matt 5:13-16

From the Darkness to the Light

I don’t say this from a place of “holier-than-thou” legalism. Quite the opposite. I come from a background that many would find scandalous. In my past, I ran with everyone: addicts, thieves, and outcasts. I was raised in a strict religious environment, but after being treated poorly by “church people,” I did a complete 180 and high-tailed it as far from Christ as I could get.

I’m not a political person; I identify as a Libertarian because I value liberty and minimal interference. But spiritually? My perspective has shifted. I used to be a very “black and white” thinker—you were either on my team or you were my rival.

As my relationship with Jesus has grown more intimate, He has softened my heart while simultaneously sharpening my spirit. I’ve become sensitive to the darkness I once happily walked in. When I see injustice or sin now, I don’t just see a person to hate; I see the spiritual battle underneath.

As it says in Ephesians 6:12:

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

The Danger of “Inclusion” Without Truth

It breaks my heart to see churches—like the ones now affirming lifestyles and lyrics that contradict Scripture—act out of what they think is “love.” I know many of these people; they are passionate and they want to be accepting.

But there is a difference between loving someone and affirming the very things that keep them in bondage.

When we look at the book of Jude, we receive a sobering reminder. Jude reminds the church that although Jesus rescued Israel from Egypt, He later destroyed those who did not remain faithful. He speaks of the angels who left their proper dwelling and are kept in darkness for judgment. He mentions Sodom and Gomorrah as a warning of eternal fire.

Jude’s words for those who use “grace” as a license for immorality are heavy:

"These people scoff at things they do not understand. Like unthinking animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and so they bring about their own destruction." (Jude 1:10)

Checking the Fruit

It doesn’t matter what the specific sin is. Whether it’s sexual immorality, pride, or the “Christian” who claims Jesus is King but continues to rule their own life—we have to look at the fruit.

Many people say, “God knows my heart.” And they’re right—He does. But does your heart align with His Word?

• Do you spend time in prayer, or only when you’re scared?
• Is your “fruit” a reflection of the Holy Spirit, or a reflection of OnlyFans, secular vulgarity, and worldly trends?

Matthew 7:17 tells us that every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. If we are living outside the will of God, we have to do a heart inventory. We are in the last days, and eventually, the chance to correct our course will pass.

How to Love Without Conforming

o my brothers and sisters in Christ: we must remember that we all fall short. We aren’t called to judge from a pedestal; we are called to be rescue divers.

ude tells us exactly how to handle this:

"Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh." (Jude 1:22-23)

This doesn’t look like shouting at a Pride parade or interrupting a concert to call people “evil-doers.” It looks like treating the lost with grace and inviting them into your life without becoming a part of their world. You don’t “cure” someone by belittling them; you show them a better Light.

We are only saved because we were covered by the blood of Jesus a little earlier than they were.

My Challenge to You:

Think of someone in your life today who is living in darkness but thinks they are justified. Maybe they are confused, or maybe they’ve been misled by a church that values “culture” over “Christ.” Don’t ram the Bible down their throat today—instead, intercede for them. Trust that God is in control and pray for their eyes to be opened.

Is there someone on your heart that you’d like me to pray for? Leave a first name or a situation in the comments below, and let’s intercede together.