The Christian Anarchist: Understanding Your Non-Conformity

If you are like me, you have likely wondered at the tension in your heart. There is a sense in which every true Christian is a sort of anarchist, albeit a reluctant anarchist. Why? His conscience is bound solely to the Word of God, and civil laws rarely comport with God’s laws—when called upon to choose between God and government, the Christian always chooses the former. At the same time, it is not for the Christian to engage in conflict with the World—yet serve Christ, and the World will soon be at conflict with him. Hence he is a decided, though reluctant anarchist. Even in conflict, though, the Christian must love with the love of Christ remembering that Christ came to save and not to judge (John 3:17). It is Christian love (not conservative politics) in the midst of your non-conformity that makes you the salt and light Christ commanded you to be. Before you object too strongly to my use of the provocative term "anarchist," consider its full range of meanings, and consider the spirit of the following accusation:

“But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and attacking the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. 6 When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have upset the world have come here also; and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus" (Acts 17:5-7).