This is a wise post here by Dane Ortlund.
In response to the suggestion by some that “gospel-centered” is becoming just a trendy buzzword, he lays out three ways we can respond:
1. Uncritically dismiss it due to its trendiness
2. Uncritically absorb it due to its being embraced by others we know or respect; vicariously feeding on others’ excitement about it without personally digesting it ourselves
3. Consider what it means, and whether it is biblical; ponder what is true in it; ask why it is trendy.
His conclusion:
The last option is the way of wisdom. Before either dismissing it or absorbing it, let’s consider it, test it, and, if we find that in fact deeper awareness of sin and sin’s healing in Christ is indeed the place to start and end every day happily and humbly, pass it on.
Remember, trendiness is not bad in itself. Justification by faith alone was suddenly trendy among significant church circles in the 1520s and 30s. Thank the Lord for all those who neither uncritically dismissed it nor uncritically absorbed it but personally wrestled with it, saw it in their Bibles, found fresh liberation, and passed it on.
Amen.