Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care? There is a group of mostly younger thinkers who have embraced a paradigm that affirms that the broader culture’s relationship to Christians has gone from one generally positive to then neutral to now negative. One might quibble about where to divide these times, but the idea is a sound one. (See Aaron Renn for his book on this subject.)
While it is a good thing to make the case for this shift, too often we fail to understand what’s going on with those left behind. It is a bad thing to think you’re in positive or neutral world when you are in negative world. It is, however, an understandable thing.
We live in that nation that among all nations has been the most influenced by God’s Word, that has been the freest and most prosperous, that was, for all its flaws, exceptionally exceptional. We likewise live in that nation which has more radically spit on God’s blessings than any other in history. Those living on the fumes of what was once a great nation are befuddled, frightened and angry, or, they are in denial.
Back in positive world days it was those who stood opposed to the gifts of God who were in turn opposed to these United States. Christians were conservatives, and patriots. Those who loved God and country were one and the same. Now those who love their country, in all its sexually confused, invasive, riotous, bankrupt, warmongering glory, likewise hate the Lord.
While it is helpful to know what time it is, it is imperative to know where our heart is. Those who conflated the kingdom of God and the western world during positive world days were playing with fire. And now we’re watching our world burn. When we confuse a positive world with the world Abraham longed for, the better country whose maker and builder was God, (Hebrews 11:6), we are not just fools but idolaters.
I’m not arguing that His kingdom is both invisible and hermetically sealed from the broader culture. I’m not calling for cultural retreat. What I’m suggesting is that in order to win any battle you have to know the situation you’re in. And you need to know what you are fighting for.
I want to make manifest the reign of Jesus over all things. That includes my country. I want it, however, for the glory of the King, not the glory of my country. I want it just as much as I pray believers in China and Venezuela want it for their countries. I want our leaders to kiss the Son because I want all leaders to kiss the Son.
When we confuse the kingdom of God with the western world we will surely grow weary, for the west is sinking. When, however, we remember that His kingdom knows no bounds we remember that He reigns over the west, over negative world, over every enemy. And He moves always, no matter how things look, from victory to victory.