God wants us to change the world, and He has outlined for us, a very odd way of doing it. It’s backwards to everything that comes naturally to us.
This is Christ’s strategy for changing the world: by taking the last place in line, by offering your coat to the guy who wants to take your shirt, by turning your face to the person who just struck you, by going a second mile for the person who forced you to go one, by giving to the one who wants to borrow from you, by loving your enemies, by praying for those who persecute you, by not keeping a record of wrongs, by not seeking your own revenge, by doing good deeds in secret, by worshiping God in secret, by not making a public display of your religion, by not judging others, by treating everybody the way you would want to be treated, by taking the road less traveled, by desiring mercy and not sacrifice, by being sheep among wolves, by being like little children, by denying yourself and taking up your cross, by humbling yourself, by becoming a servant, and by seeking to be at peace with everyone. And this is by no means a complete list; it nevertheless is a good start.
People, we’ve got to focus our attention upon these things because they are an integral part of what Jesus came to teach us, and yet, because they run counter to human nature, they are almost impossible to do.
This is an election year in America, and I know for a fact that in American politics these attitudes are virtually non-existent, and yet Christians have never been more involved in politics in this country than they are now. How did we get here, by following the ways of the Lord or the ways of men? The question must be asked, by whose rules are we playing? You cannot use worldly tactics to gain spiritual results.
If we are getting ahead in society, how are we doing that? We can’t ask the Holy Spirit to empower what is based in the flesh. Are we relying on numbers, power, influence and prestige or are we relying on living as the Lord has taught us?
I do not have all the answers, but at least I know what the questions are, and I plan to keep asking them. Go back over Christ’s strategy and ask yourself what these things mean in your life through the decisions you have to make today and the things you will do. If the road you’re on is crowded, it may not be the right one.
John Fischer The Catch 
I am so glad u dared to bring up the political arena and christian involvement. While like everyone else I would love to have a leader based in solid christianity, I find so many “christians” who are spouting hate based statements against various candidates. I too, don’t know the answers, but I do know that if what is coming out of our mouths is hate based it is not of God.
I don’t really think God cares about or is involved in our politics as that would go against the whole concept of free will. But I also believe He does want us to get involved and make Godly choices regarding not only who we back but how we behave in the process.
Your partial list of “contra mundum” statements by Christ that should define his followers is arresting and convicting. That should become a book! You reminded me (again) that it’s not evangelical Christianity against the world, but rather Christ’s kingdom against the world. They are not always the same, and that seems all too evident from the too often divisive and unbiblical religio-political current discourse. But that is just a symptom of the real malady. Evangelical Christianity has largely focused since the late seventies on building a comfortable kingdom for itself, rather than building Christ’s kingdom outside of itself. To the world around us, I’m afraid it appears evangelical Christians are more about the kingdoms of this world (or “their world”) than they are about Christ’s kingdom in the real world. Keep asking the questions. That “road less traveled” needs more travelers.
Thanks, Clay. Well said.
After reading this excellent Catch today, I felt a good need to polish my shoes; becauz brother John had walked all over them, lol – It hit home w/ me! Thx brother I needed to read this and remind myself as ClayofCO put it of the “road less traveled” – at least in American politics…
Duhhhhhhh I meant to say as brother John & ClayofCO called it, “road less traveled”
Phew! What a powerful message that could be spoken from every pulpit next Sunday. Wonder how many will. I love to hear a message that makes me rethink my thinking and challenges my walk for Christ. This did both in a very positive way.
Great reminders of how we should be living. If we aren’t, we are wrong…
John…. our place in the Kingdom is not “to change the world” ! Even a cursory reading of the New Testament reveals this world is doomed to destruction (the elements burning up). And those rejecting the free gift of forgiveness and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ will have their place in eternity with Satan and his hordes, in a lake of fire because of their rejection of Him. Our place as believers in Christ is our testimony of the Truth…. and our lives lived out walking in the Spirit day after day….failures and all. We are instruments in God’s hands as He reaches down and “pulls” people out of the pit into His Light….His Salvation. This is His work that is being done…. not ours! We get to rejoice with the angels in Heaven as it occurs. If we think it is our job to “change the world” we will burn out in frustration and bitterness, attempting to do what only Christ, and Him crucified and risen, can do in a man’s heart. And if this “purpose” of us changing the world is propagated among us, our own brothers and sisters will also burn out in the futile and guilt-laden misdirected effort, and miss the joy…. the rest…. and the power that has been placed in our hands to participate in the real work….. in the Spirit. He came to save souls… not the marketplace. Ralph Gaily