Reforming Society

In what institutions (e.g. family, church, state, media, education, business, etc.) should Christians seek to establish a biblical worldview to advance the kingdom of God? Well, the obvious answer is EVERY institution because Christ is sovereign over every institution and claims all of if for himself. But I wonder what Jesus would say to me if I asked him the question: are there certain institutions that would bring more "bang for our buck" in advancing your reign? He would probably smile at me compassionately and patiently and tell me that I'm asking the wrong question. He might also say yes, but that he delights in all institutions because he created them. I guess another way of getting to this issue on my heart is asking the question: what kinds of people have been most influential in shaping the course of history?

I started thinking about these questions after reading an article about the mission of two philosophers at Biola University's Talbot School of Theology, who set a goal to send 100 graduates with a Masters of Arts in philosophy to doctoral programs around the country. Why set this goal? They wanted these graduates to someday teach philosophy to undergraduates at secular schools and make a difference. I think they will make a difference (I pray they will make a BIG difference), but might they make a bigger difference than 100 Christian politicians or 100 Christian artists?

How can we make a difference in advancing the reign of our king? What an exciting question to consider! Christ has invaded into this fallen world and is reclaiming lives for himself. It seems to me that shaping society begins at the individual. Jeff Purswell provides a list of where we can partner with God in renewing creation (this list might help me answer my first question abovie):

• Our personal relationship with God
• Our participation in the community of God's people: the church
• Our faithful sharing of the gospel with unbelievers
• Our vocational labors that cultivate and develop God's creation
• Our cultural pursuits that portray God's beauty

Let me go back to that question I asked Jesus. What would he say if I asked him, "Are there certain institutions that would bring more "bang for our buck" in advancing your reign?" I now think he would especially emphasize the family and the church. Those aspects of life display his reign maximally. After those, and now I'm really only guessing, I think he might talk about the state and about education, given the amount of influence the people inside those institutions have had over the course of human history (something I can't detail right now).

Living between the ages of the kingdom of God and the present evil age should, as Jeff Purswell says, " produce in us the twin attitudes of humility and hope." We should work to advance the reign of Christ eagerly and with expectation of his kingdom coming on this earth, but also with humility and dependence upon the Holy Spirit to accomplish this work. May we be faithful to the call he has given to each of us.