Christians are not called to be devoted to Christian civilization. They are called to be devoted to Christ. The moment the preservation, restoration, or expansion of a civilization becomes the controlling concern, Christ is displaced from the centre.
This is the same temptation Jesus faced in the wilderness. Satan offered him “all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour” (Matthew 4:8), but Jesus rejected the path of worldly power and replied, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Matthew 4:10). The temptation was not simply about personal ambition; it was the temptation to achieve God’s purposes through the kingdoms of this world rather than through faithful obedience to God.
Jesus consistently rejected imperial aspirations. When the crowds wanted to make him king by force, he withdrew (John 6:15). When Pilate asked him about kingship, Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). His kingdom would not be established through domination, conquest, or political control, but through the way of the cross.
This does not mean Christians should be unconcerned about society, justice, or the wellbeing of their neighbours. We are called to seek the good of others and to live faithfully within the world God has made. But our ultimate devotion is not to a civilisation, a nation, or a culture. It is to Christ.
The danger comes when we begin to see a particular civilisation as something that must be preserved at all costs. A civilisation may contain elements of truth, goodness, and beauty, but it is still a human creation. It cannot bear the weight of our ultimate hope. The church is not called to restore a Christian empire; it is called to follow the crucified and risen King.
The early Christians lived under an empire that was not Christian. Their message was not that Rome needed to become the centre of God’s kingdom, but that Jesus was Lord. “There is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Their allegiance was to Christ above every earthly power.
Civilizations rise and fall. Nations change. Cultures are transformed. But Christ remains. “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).
The church’s hope is not found in the triumph of Christian civilization. Our hope is found in Christ, who “has been given all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18), and whose kingdom will ultimately renew all things.
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