Not depending on Caesar

Transformation in Christ involves not being conformed to the world. That means not looking to the world's institutions to fight battles for the Kingdom of God. Brad Huston says there's nothing wrong with Christians being politically involved, but if the church thinks politics is the key to advancing the Kingdom, they're sorely mistaken:

The early Christians did not start political parties or political movements. There were no political action committees or fundraisers or grass roots organizations created to defeat a certain political ideologies. . . .

And in the wake of each of these men’s lives the face of the Roman Empire was changed without a single piece of legislation passed, a single election won, a victorious revolt or the successful expulsion of a single ruler or senator of the establishment. The apostles sought after the hearts of men for Christ by living Christ, and their legacies changed the world.

So what does that mean for Christians today? Here's what Brad says:

I am convinced that if we as a Church devoted ourselves wholly to the pursuit of the righteousness found in Christ through faith by grace, and disseminate his name to that end; that we will be far more affective in changing the climate of American society than any rally, campaign or movement ever could.

Amen. The comments section of Brad's post, by the way, is pretty interesting, too.

Update: See John Schroeder's related post at Blogotional.